HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.14.97 Work Session Minutes
COUNCIL MINUTES
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE WORKSHOP
JANUARY 14,1997
1. Mayor Ristow convened the meeting at 7:00 P.M.
Members Present: Ristow, Fitch, Cordes
Members Absent: Gamer, Strachan
Also Present: City Administrator Erar, Police Chief Siebenaler
Guests: Chief Andy Revering and Sgt. Allen Campbell, City of
Anoka, Police Department
2. Chief Revering began with a historical perspective of the
Restorative Justice Program. The philosophy comes from the Maori
Tribe of New Zealand where it has been used as a form of tribal
justice for centuries.
In its modern form it has been adopted and used successfully by the
New South Wales, Australia Police Department as a proactive
response aimed at reintegrating first time and minor offenders into
society.
Sgt. Allen Campbell discussed the program as it is conducted in the
Ci ty of Anoka. The program has retained all of the original
components of the New Zealand program. It brings together the
offender, the offender's parents, the victim(s) and the Police.
Each of the participants is seated in close proximity with no table
(barrier) between. The offender and victim are directly across
from one another.
Each participant has the opportunity to express how the incident
has affected them and others.
As a group the participants decide on an appropriate consequence
and a formal agreement is drafted.
During the time the agreement is being drafted, victims and
offenders are left to "Break Bread". This informal snack time
continues the healing process for both parties.
The Anoka program has been in place for two years. Guidelines for
participation include:
1) juvenile
2)first or second time offender
3)offender and parents admit guilt and
4)are willing to participate
S)victim is willing to participate
The results of the first two years show that out of 150 offenders
put through the program only 1 has re-offended.
The Council next watched a 27 minute video of an actual conference.
The workshop was opened for a question and answer period.
3. Motion by Fitch, second by Cordes to adjourn at 9:02 P.M.,
A.P.I.F., MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
~~~LJ~,
Daniel M. Siebenaler
Chief of Police
DMS:ts