Vancouver's Downtown Community Court
Community Connection
This is the community's court. It deals with crime that happens in the community. It ensures that offenders make reparation for harm done to the community. It involves residents, businesses and community organizations in helping offenders deal with the root causes of their criminal activity.
Since the early planning stages, Vancouver's Downtown Community Court has held public forums and discussions with residents, Aboriginal organizations, businesses, service providers and organizations in the court's catchment area in order to understand how crime affects the community and what kind of public service would be useful to compensate the community for crimes committed.
Many sentences handed down by the community court will include community service, where offenders will make reparation to the community for harm done.
- Local organizations, businesses and service providers can get involved by working with the court to develop community service projects and opportunities for offenders to serve sentences. These projects can also help offenders gain new job skills and work experience.
- The business community can help offenders address the root causes of their criminal behaviour by providing employment opportunities, helping offenders make the shift towards responsibility and independence.
- Service providers and volunteer organizations can help offenders find and attend programs.
The community can also take active steps to prevent and reduce crime in its neighbourhoods.
