They all have similar rates of victimization. Between 1983 and 1993, the increase in offenders in prison for drug offenses rose 510 percent. In absolute terms, the number of inmates awaiting trial or serving time for a drug offense rose from 57,000 in 1983 to 353,000 in 1993. More than half of the prison population are now serving time for non-violent and victimless crimes. Restorative justice offers a path for the system and people of faith to respond to crime in a way that begins to reweave the community's fabric and promote harmony.
Harmony provides greater safety than weapons, walls or security systems.
Restorative justice planners and programs are ready to go. Many have track records, have been thoroughly researched and are effective in rehabitalization, and community integration. They were victims as were all of us of the politicized retribution forces in society some years ago.