A peer jury program is also a logical extension of the school liaison program that began in the public high schools in 1996. The peer jury is unique however, in that it results in a swift and constructive punishment, and seeks to prevent the cycle of youth delinquency by educating offenders while teaching victim empathy and accountability. The Peer Jury program will benefit Wheaton by reducing recidivism, reducing the juvenile court system case load, placing offenders in service programs under supervision and evaluation, and helping offenders develop new skills through appropriate service assignments. The Wheaton Police Department will administer the peer jury program, which will ensure reduced costs and responsiveness to the community through local program ownership. The program benefits adults, student jurors, offenders, service agencies and the general community.
Jurors receive a valuable lesson in citizenship and the law.
Offenders receive a sentencing alternative that stresses both accountability and diversion from criminal activity. Coordinators, moderators, and jury trainers can be credited with lending their expertise to the Police Department and making a commitments to improving the overall quality of life for Wheaton's residents. Agencies reap the rewards of hundreds of hours of community service. The community as a whole benefits from a reduction in youth crime.