The use of Restorative Justice by the police in England and Wales

The Use of Restorative Justice by the Police in England and Wales The key aim of this thesis is to examine the use of restorative justice (RJ) processes by police services in England and Wales. The research used the methodology of a comparative case study, taking a two phase approach to compare and contrast a range of case study police services in England and Wales, and including a Belgian case study as an international comparator. After a broad exploration into RJ use by police services across England and Wales, the research focused on two case study police services. Analysis occurred at the level of each case study; both between and within police services. The use of restorative processes by police services was commonly reported, with large disparity between RJ policy and methods of delivery. Both case studies displayed little victim involvement in any RJ processes, and varying levels of guidance or support were available to officer facilitators in order to assist RJ delivery. The available guidelines, training and support largely determined the quality and ‘restorativeness’ of RJ processes delivered by police officers, but this was also affected by the inherent police cultures both within and between policing roles. This culture notably influenced the lack of the victim-focused ideal of restorative justice within police practice, A contrast between police services, including an international comparator, shows the questionable suitability of officers in the role of RJ facilitator, and highlights the need for comprehensive policy and guidelines for police officers where they are expected to deliver restorative processes as part of their daily work. Individual force priorities are shown to be highly influential in officer use of RJ and goes far to explain police officer confusion, lack of confidence and differenced both within and between police services