What does restorative justice aim to do in law enforcement?

Restorative justice in law enforcement is centered on the concept of repairing harm caused by criminal behavior. This approach emphasizes the importance of fostering communication among the affected parties, including victims, offenders, and the community, to address the impact of the crime and work towards healing. By focusing on understanding the harm and working collaboratively to find resolution, restorative justice seeks to give a voice to victims and encourages offenders to take responsibility for their actions, thereby promoting accountability and reconciliation rather than merely punishment.

This philosophy contrasts with approaches that solely emphasize community service, legal penalties, or punishment without addressing the deeper issues of harm and communication. Such alternatives do not facilitate the same level of engagement and restorative outcomes that a model prioritizing dialogue and repair can achieve. Therefore, the objective of restorative justice aligns directly with the idea of fostering communication as a means of repairing the damage done, making it a crucial aspect of its implementation in law enforcement.