By Vincent Papequash

Restorative Justice

National Restorative Justice Week

Nov 16, 2020 | 10:17 AM

PRINCE GEORGE – This week is National Restorative Justice Week. The Prince George RCMP issued a news release today.

Restorative Justice is an alternative approach to crime, which involves bringing offenders and victims together to discuss how others have been impacted, and ways the offender can give back to the person harmed and the community.

The criminal justice system can be costly, and lengthy. Restorative justice a means by which an offender can make restitution to those who were harmed, and to be held accountable.

The restorative justice system requires the offender to accept responsibility for the crime they committed, and victims must voluntarily participate, according to the B.C. government.

The news release from the Prince George RCMP also says that cases are screened for suitability, and the affected parties are met with in advance. If the case moves forward, all of those involved meet with a restorative justice facilitator for structured dialogue.

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According to the RCMP news release, Prince George has two restorative justice programs. The RCMP Restorative Justice program, and the Prince George Urban Aboriginal Justice Society.

Recently, there have been increased calls for more restorative justice programs from marginalized communities who face barriers in the legal justice system.

Earlier this year in Montreal, protestors called for defunding the police after the death of George Floyd in the U.S.

According to the RCMP news release, National Restorative Justice Week aims to raise awareness of restorative justice approaches to crime.

Though most people who participate in restorative justice programs say they are satisfied with the experience and results, according to the B.C. government, restorative justice is not appropriate for all situations.