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28/02/2005
PSNI to hold ‘Restorative Justice’ conference
The PSNI is to host a major human rights conference on restorative justice in Belfast today and tomorrow.
The conference, entitled “Restorative Justice – From the Mechanics to the Dynamics”, will explore the issue of restorative justice and provide accounts of current thinking on the world stage, local policy and future developments.
Commenting on the two day event, Assistant Chief Constable Judith Gillespie, head of PSNI Criminal Justice Department, said: “Restorative justice has the potential to offer a dynamic solution to the delivery of justice for certain types of crime because it involves the victim, the perpetrator and the community.
“It is essential that human rights are placed at the centre of this process because it involves the issues of safety, accountability and restitution, not in detached, textbook terms but in the practical consequences for real people and their communities. It is equally important that any such schemes, whether in the public or voluntary sector, can stand up to scrutiny in terms of their protocols, practices and personnel.
“We have made much progress in this challenging but potentially very beneficial field. Those in the community who are genuine about further advances and are prepared to establish systems, which are both restorative and fully accountable, will find the Police Service to be more than willing partners. The benefits of such schemes will be welcomed by all of our communities.”
Provisional figures from the Public Prosecution Service pilot scheme which is operating in South Belfast, Fermanagh, Tyrone and all youth courts in Belfast show that almost a quarter of cases which could be prosecuted in court are being dealt with by way of diversionary or restorative schemes.
(MB/SP)
The conference, entitled “Restorative Justice – From the Mechanics to the Dynamics”, will explore the issue of restorative justice and provide accounts of current thinking on the world stage, local policy and future developments.
Commenting on the two day event, Assistant Chief Constable Judith Gillespie, head of PSNI Criminal Justice Department, said: “Restorative justice has the potential to offer a dynamic solution to the delivery of justice for certain types of crime because it involves the victim, the perpetrator and the community.
“It is essential that human rights are placed at the centre of this process because it involves the issues of safety, accountability and restitution, not in detached, textbook terms but in the practical consequences for real people and their communities. It is equally important that any such schemes, whether in the public or voluntary sector, can stand up to scrutiny in terms of their protocols, practices and personnel.
“We have made much progress in this challenging but potentially very beneficial field. Those in the community who are genuine about further advances and are prepared to establish systems, which are both restorative and fully accountable, will find the Police Service to be more than willing partners. The benefits of such schemes will be welcomed by all of our communities.”
Provisional figures from the Public Prosecution Service pilot scheme which is operating in South Belfast, Fermanagh, Tyrone and all youth courts in Belfast show that almost a quarter of cases which could be prosecuted in court are being dealt with by way of diversionary or restorative schemes.
(MB/SP)
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Ministers assure no 'two-tier' justice system
Secretary of State Peter Hain has given an "absolute assurance" that community restorative justice schemes will not become an alternative to policing. Speaking after a meeting with the Policing Board in Belfast on Tuesday Mr Hain said he wanted to "nail the rumour" that community restorative justice was some kind of alternative to policing".
03 May 2007
Restorative justice schemes backed
The government should fund four loyalist restorative justice schemes, the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice has said. Kit Chivers, the Criminal Justice inspector has said there was no evidence the schemes were a front for paramilitary activity.
Restorative justice schemes backed
The government should fund four loyalist restorative justice schemes, the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice has said. Kit Chivers, the Criminal Justice inspector has said there was no evidence the schemes were a front for paramilitary activity.
21 July 2023
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DoJ Publishes New Protocol For Delivery Of Restorative Justice
A new Protocol for the delivery of restorative justice in Northern Ireland has been published by the Department of Justice (DoJ). The new 2023 Protocol will govern the use of restorative interventions in the criminal justice system in NI and details how a new accreditation process will work for organisations and individuals.
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Threats Against Restorative Justice Workers Condemned
Three restorative justice workers in west Belfast have been warned of threats against their lives. Dissident republicans are said to have issued the death threats because of the organisation's co-operation with police. Community Restorative Justice Ireland Director (CRJI) Jim Auld was informed of the threats through a local media group.
Threats Against Restorative Justice Workers Condemned
Three restorative justice workers in west Belfast have been warned of threats against their lives. Dissident republicans are said to have issued the death threats because of the organisation's co-operation with police. Community Restorative Justice Ireland Director (CRJI) Jim Auld was informed of the threats through a local media group.
10 September 2024
Naomi Long Highlights Benefits Of Restorative Justice
Restorative justice can bring transformational change and healing for victims, perpetrators and communities across the criminal justice spectrum, Naomi Long has told the second Restorative Justice Council Conference.
Naomi Long Highlights Benefits Of Restorative Justice
Restorative justice can bring transformational change and healing for victims, perpetrators and communities across the criminal justice spectrum, Naomi Long has told the second Restorative Justice Council Conference.
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