City Pilots Program to Give Vandals Neighborhood Justice Instead of Jail

People who commit crimes that affect a community’s quality of life -- such as graffiti and vandalism -- will be given a chance to avoid criminal charges if they agree to make amends to the community under a new program announced today by City Attorney Mike Feuer.

Feuer said he will begin pilot programs in the Harbor area, South Los Angeles and the Valley.

A mediator and volunteer panel made up of people from the community will decide how the crimes should be addressed, and may direct perpetrators to paint over graffiti or repair the items that were vandalized.

Those accused of the crimes will also need to participate in services aimed at preventing them from committing the crime again.

Other crimes that may apply in the program include petty theft and buying alcohol for minors. The program would only affect people aged 18-years and older.

Feuer said the program is based on the concept of “restorative justice” in which the goal is to divert people from the prison system and to keep those who leave it from returning.

The City Attorney’s Office will start training volunteers over the next month and is working with community groups such as the El Nido Family Center in the Valley and the Toberman Neighborhood Center in San Pedro.

Feuer said he has plans to expand later to Hollywood, West Los Angeles and Van Nuys, after seeing how the pilot does.

--City News Service