Vancouver launched a Community Court program Monday aimed at connecting offenders with resources to steer them away from the criminal justice system.
The court will address 10 types of low-level offenses, including disorderly conduct, park curfew violations, unlawful bus conduct and unlawful camping.
“Vancouver’s new Community Court program is set up to compassionately and intelligently address lower-level crimes,” Jonathan Young, Vancouver city attorney, said in a press release. “Offenses such as camping in an ecologically sensitive area can now be addressed with meaningful consequences that have a positive impact on our community and break down barriers that have historically prevented people from finding jobs and permanent housing.”
Police officers will refer eligible offenses to Community Court. The court will sentence offenders to work crews in lieu of jail times or fines. Court-appointed attorneys will be available to advise offenders during their arraignment.
Following a needs assessment, the court will require some offenders to meet with service providers to help with housing, mental health issues, substance abuse, benefits aid and medical help.
Once an offender meets the conditions, the court will dismiss the charges.
“These types of courts have been proven to offer more positive outcomes for participants and the community,” Bryan Farrell, court administrator for Clark County District Court, said in the release. “Directly connecting participants to services on their first day of court and having services available at each follow-up court hearing removes so many barriers for our participants.”
Vancouver worked with the Clark County District Court and several other organizations to launch the program, which underwent a trial run in February.
The partner service providers include Council for the Homeless, Columbia River Mental Health, the Washington Department of Social and Health Services and the Clark County Veterans Assistance Center.
Community Court hearings will occur weekly at Recovery Café in Vancouver.
Other cities in Washington, including Seattle, Tacoma and Spokane, operate similar courts.
