In September 2005, the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice funded ten demonstration projects under its new Community-Based Problem-Solving Criminal Justice Initiative. The following edited excerpt was taken from the Clackamas Countys’ winning proposal.
The Clackamas County Oregon District Attorney’s office has developed a Community Court pilot in the Overland Park neighborhood, which has Clackamas County’s highest crime rates. The Community Court pilot, started in late January 2005, is based on a restorative justice approach and diverts misdemeanant defendants from the traditional criminal justice system. Cases eligible for community court are: Theft in the Second Degree; Theft in the Third Degree; Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree; Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree; Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree; Offensive Littering (non-environmental); Disorderly Conduct; Unlawfully Applying Graffiti; Unlawfully Possessing Graffiti Implement; Unlawful Entry Into Motor Vehicle (not related to identity theft).
The proposed problem-solving initiative will support the Court’s efforts through social service case management and employment services. With a funded case management position, individuals will be connected to the community supports that will allow them to be successful, reduce recidivism and increase community quality of life. Defendants will be assessed and referred to social service, vocational and mental health resources, and supported through completing required activities and accessing services. Individuals who voluntarily take part in the community court program will complete mandatory community service and work with a Case Manager provided by either Clackamas County Social Services or Community Solutions.
Community oversight and feedback will be provided by the Overland Park Coalition Against Drug Crime, a local citizens organization.