Golf tournament raises cash for restorative justice
The Prince George RCMP’s restorative justice program has received a $6,000 boost.
Proceeds from a golf tournament hosted in June by Western Financial Group were presented to the Two Rivers Crime Prevention Society on Thursday.
The society, in turn, allocated the money to the program, which RCMP community policing coordinator Linda Parker described as an “alternative form of justice” in which the victim, the offender and an intermediary from the program come together to work out a way to make up for the crime.
Resolutions typically involve paying restitution and performing community service hours but there is flexibility. “It really depends on the incident,” Parker said. “The (resolution) agreement has to fit that particular incident.”
By participating, the perpetrator can avoid getting a criminal record. For the victim, it’s a chance to confront the wrongdoer face-to-face. Cases are referred to the program by RCMP general duty members.
“They’ve made a mistake and this is their opportunity to make things right,” Parker said. “This is about healing damaged relationships and that’s why it’s important to include everyone that’s been affected by that incident.”
The program was launched in November and completed its first case the next month when a youth caught shoplifting from a local business reached an agreement to do community service work.
Restorative justice is not restricted to youth committing petty crime.
“It can be used for virtually any offence,” Parker said. “Right now, because our program is newer we are primarily dealing with some basic, minor offences but it is not restricted to that.
“As we become more trained and com- fortable, and as our members become more comfortable, we can deal with a number of different offences.”
The program relies on donations and sponsorships. Parker said the money will largely be used to pay for volunteer training and recognition.
Western Financial Group account executive Jacques Fournier, who is the Two Rivers Crime Prevention Society’s vice chair, said the donation will be worthwhile if it can restore one youth to society without going through the court system.
“You’ve just saved yourself and society hundreds of thousands of dollars,” Fournier said.
Aimed at people in the insurance industry, WFG has hosted the golf tournament for 12 years now. Over that time, more than $50,000 has been raised and donations have also gone to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Prince George and the Prince George Hospice Society, Fournier said.