INTRODUCTION
Whether you are an aspirant law enforcement professional, an individual interested in our nation’s legal system, or simply examining this course from the lens of someone looking for global change – You are acutely aware that our criminal justice system operates along a very broad continuum that stretches throughout American society. This continuum contains many points of intervention along the way to change the course of those engaged in criminal behavior. Law enforcement, especially those charged with controlling the criminal behavior of organized gangs, play very important roles across this continuum; in the apprehension, investigation, judicial process, and of course in creating innovative prevention measures.
There are many opportunities to reduce recidivism through collaboration with community corrections, essentially shutting the revolving door of reincarceration. As such, alternative incarceration programs have become part of a nationwide strategy allowing a judge to sentence someone to a program where they receive treatment, education, and employment training in their community while remaining under strict supervision.
Before you continue, read and view the following:
No Money, No Mercy: After a Crime, the Price of a Second ChanceLinks to an external site: Attached PDF
Engaging Youth in Douglasville: Providing an Alternative to Gangs: //youtu.be/2XwK9P_zbd0
Gang-Violence Project Kicks Off: https://youtu.be/_tJc2dAeaOo
THE REMEDY PROJECT
The District Attorney has recently announced the start of a new restorative justice pilot program that will give adolescents with pending low-level criminal charges the opportunity to own up to their mistakes, hear from those they hurt, and make a change.
The primary incentive for someone to take part in the Remedy Project is to avoid jail time. If someone is selected for the program but does not take it seriously or does not abide by the requirements, they likely will face prosecution for their crime and may be sentenced to prison time.
The program is part of a partnership amongst the District Attorney’s office, the County Restorative Justice Association, and the Police Department. The goal is to address the root cause of these criminal acts and connect offenders with agencies that can help set them up for long-term success.
Persons eligible for The Remedy Project are:
Arrested for a “Remedy Project Qualifying Crime”
Issued an Appearance Ticket for a non-violent misdemeanor crime (the exact list of eligible charges is below);
Determined by the District Attorney’s Office to have an eligible case
Below is a list of Remedy Project Qualifying Crimes which are eligible to be diverted. The final decision about eligibility rests with the District Attorney’s Office.
Criminal Mischief Misdemeanor – (property damaged has an amount less than $250)
Possession of Stolen Property – (acquiring any stolen good)
Criminal Trespassing – (entering someone’s property without permission)
Making Graffiti – (etching, painting, or drawing upon someone’s property without permission)
Simple Larceny (property amount less than $1000)
Promoting Gambling (dice game or card game in public)
Theft of Services (one example would be jumping a subway turnstile or dine and dash)
INSTRUCTIONS
As an active gang member, you have been arrested and charged with one of the Remedy Project Qualifying Crimes listed above. Contrary to a typical, involuntary criminal justice outcome, you are ordered to participate in The Remedy Project.
You are now on your way to a court-ordered discussion group with members of other gangs which is being led by a gang intervention specialist assigned to engage you in an open dialogue about how your behavior has affected others.
As an individual selected to take part in this project, you must do the following:
Acknowledge the voluntary nature of your actions
Discuss steps for making amends
Talk about the changes you can make to avoid repeating the behavior
Talk about your opportunity for personal growth and healing
In your initial post, remind everyone of your gang affiliation, share your persona image, and then address the prompts listed above.
In your responses, focus on whether this would be an effective intervention strategy for this individual. Justify why you feel that way.
