Restorative Justice Program

The Nelson Police Department Restorative Justice Program has been designed to assist youth and adults in achieving responsible solutions to the problems created by crime and other types of harmful behaviours. Our volunteers facilitate constructive, meaningful dialogue between community members through education, role-modeling, and consensus-building.

Restorative Justice (RJ) focuses on the needs and concerns of victims and on repairing harm caused by conflict and crime. RJ involves the participation of those who have been harmed, those who have caused harm, and other affected parties in finding solutions that seek to repair harm and promote harmony.

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Nelson Restorative Justice

The Restorative Justice process works to:

  • Provide support to those who have been harmed by creating a safe context in which participants can discuss how they have been impacted, and to have their questions answered
  • Assist those who have caused harm in sharing the circumstances of the incident, describe what they believe the effects of their actions have been and take responsibility for the harm caused
  • Give involved community members the opportunity to talk about how the incident has impacted them
  • To build consensus for a meaningful, reasonable and fair resolution
  • Identify and encourage participants to support the outcomes of the conference process and to ensure appropriate follow-up

Volunteers

Because of the seriousness of the work, RJ has to be very selective of the volunteers they take on for casework. Unfortunately they cannot guarantee that everyone who applies will be accepted as a caseworker, and they ask for your understanding if you are not asked to participate in the training.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION PROCESS:

All prospective volunteers must fill out a Volunteer Application Form, providing two references, the Nelson Police Department Police Information Check as well as a resume. Photo ID is to be delivered in person to the NPD station to be processed by a representative from the Nelson Police Department.

Prospective volunteers are screened through an interview and with reference checks.

Successful volunteers will be invited to attend training sessions. NPDRJ also puts in considerable time and resources into interviewing, screening and training of potential volunteers; therefore, potential volunteer mediators and mentors must be prepared to make a two-year commitment to the organization.

Volunteering with NPDRJ provides rich learning opportunities, new friends, connections, and meaningful ways to help other people and families in your community.

References Policy

Consistent with the Community Policing Stations' standards, we will only provide a reference letter for Volunteers who have been with us a minimum of one year (100 hours)

Come join us!

Volunteer Application Form

Photo credits go to Bruce Binder 

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