It’s one thing to be watched by another and to get caught; it’s quite another to watch yourself and make the right choices.
The Youth and Adult Shoplifting programs have three parts: an initial intake with a BCRJP staff member or volunteer, a take-home writing assignment that must be completed and returned, and a panel discussion with other offenders that may include a retailer, a workforce specialist, a community member and, in some cases, a police officer. A signed agreement after the panel may include, among other things, an apology letter or community service hours.
Students or adults may be referred to the program by the municipal court, police or sheriff’s department, or as a sanction of Restorative Teen Court. In many cases, the program may be sanctioned in lieu of a citation and resulting criminal record, or a reduction of a fine if completed successfully. The cost for this program is $40.
Touch one part of a spider’s web, and the whole web shakes
This program helps offenders learn how shoplifting affects the lives of loved ones, retailers, small businesses, and the community as a whole. The main emphasis is on one’s place within a web of relationships. Participants also learn about the law, possible consequences, security technology, how social pressures can trigger shoplifting, the addictive nature of shoplifting, and how to prevent future shoplifting incidents.
“The more that offenders are allowed to hear about the impacts on victims and the community, the better chance for behavioral changes among offenders.” — Juvenile Justice Worker
