Restorative Practice

Bringing victims, offenders and communities together

Restorative Practice provides the opportunity for victims, offenders and sometimes members of the community to discuss an offence and how to repair the harm caused.

This process can help offenders to understand the consequences of their actions and encourage them to make amends. It can be a very powerful tool in reducing reoffending and giving victims a voice in the justice process.

In the long term it is hoped the scheme will reduce crime rates as evidence shows that offenders who have to face up to their victims are unlikely to offend again. A victim’s participation is always voluntary.

Restorative Practice can be used when an offender has not been in trouble with the police before. It does not preclude people from being formally warned or reprimanded within the criminal justice process. It can also be used after conviction for more serious offences and has no impact on sentencing. The process can also be used for a range of incidents from minor anti-social behaviour like graffiti, to more serious crimes like assault and robbery.

Kent Police officers, as well as Kent County Council community wardens and council staff have been trained to use Restorative Practice.

Report a crime

To report a non-urgent crime please either call the Kent Police single non-emergency number on 101 or report the crime online.