News
Restorative Justice Initiative: Fairport Police & Roberts Wesleyan College Joint Effort
Roberts Wesleyan College is working alongside the Fairport Police Department on a new restorative justice initiative that includes a real-life learning experience for students. The purpose of this program is the betterment of the offender, the victim, and the community in specific circumstances, through alternatives to arrest.
“Leaders within the criminal justice system are beginning to look for new ways of doing justice. In an effort to hold offenders accountable in a restorative way, police are partnering with victims and the community. Restorative justice is a philosophy of administering justice by addressing the needs of the victim, the offender, and the community," said Kirby Trask, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Department Chair. The Criminal Justice program infuses this philosophy throughout its curriculum. By participating in research with local criminal justice agencies, students in the Homeland Security and Applied Intelligence major are given the opportunity to apply theory to practical experience and ultimately have an impact on our community. "We are grateful to the Fairport Police Department for allowing us to work alongside them on this restorative justice initiative,” he said.
The Criminal Justice Department will provide research, expertise and analysts who will develop an evidence-based process for this initiative.
“Use a restorative justice model as a police-related or arrest-diversionary process. This process will focus on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community at large,” said Fairport Police Chief Farina.
Read the March 18 story: Fairport Police begins restorative justice initiative, adds social worker