A community resolution offers victims of crime an informal, flexible response to the incident they have reported. At the same time, it offers offenders a 'second chance'- an opportunity to make amends for their mistakes without suffering consequences which can dramtically affect future life chances.

Our award-winning 'Putting It Right' scheme was developed after disillusioned businesses asked for a more meaningful outcome when an individual is offered a community resolution for low level shop theft.

The scheme has two parts; a mediation session and a 'giving back' session.

As part of the mediation a member of BCRP staff trained in restorative justice techniques meets with the offender to discuss the offence effectively representing the victim of the crime. The discussion focuses on the effect upon the victim[s] of the crime, why the individual committed the act and the consequences for their future employment and travel opportunities if the behaviour continues and results in a conviction.

After discussions have come to an end, staff escort the individual to Oxfam for the 'giving back' part of the scheme which involves a session of unpaid work for the charity.

In 2016/17 BCRP staff delivered sessions to 57 offenders; only 2 (3.5%) re-offended within a twelve month period. Those who did re-offend were actually above the usual 'threshold for acceptance' on the project which normally accepts only first time/low level offenders.

Tackling low level offences is an important intervention catching young offenders before they reach a 'tipping point' and their behaviour leads to greater criminal activity placing a greater demand on police resources and the wider criminal justice system.

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