Getting caught for a bad deed provided an opportunity for one man to make things right!
The North Shore Restorative Justice Society (NSRJS) is pleased with a recent outcome from one of the files referred to them by the North Vancouver RCMP through NSRJS’s Restorative Response program.
In November 2015, police contacted the NSRJS after a 35 year old North Vancouver man was found spray painting the Braemar water reservoir.
The man had no previous convictions and as an alternative to criminal charges, the file was referred to NSRJS. Through the restorative justice process, NSRJS staff met with all parties involved including the arresting officer and the District of North Vancouver’s Beautification Coordinator.
This case highlights our efforts to provide meaningful opportunities for offenders to give back to their community, says Sioned Dyer, Executive Director of the North Shore Restorative Justice Society. It is also a notable example of a strong collaborative relationship between the North Shore Restorative Justice Society, North Vancouver RCMP and the District of North Vancouver.
The outcome of the restorative justice process resulted in the offender painting a mural on a wall that was the site of regular graffiti activity. As a result of previous acts of mischief, District staff have been required to repaint the wall several times at a significant financial cost. District staff gave input into the mural design and the offender paid for the supplies as a part of his restitution.
The District of North Vancouver supports the goals of the restorative justice program, and through a proactive collaboration and teamwork between all the parties concerned, the community saw a positive outcome with the clean-up and creative restoration of the reservoir site, said District of North Vancouver Park Manager, Susan Rogers.
The North Shore Restorative Justice Society has been facilitating the Restorative Response program, a pre-charge, police diversion program on the North Shore for over 19 years.
