LAS VEGAS (AP) — Court officials in Las Vegas are unveiling a pilot program that'll give petty offenders in quality-of-life cases a chance to perform community service and make restitution, instead of going to jail.
Chief Justice of the Peace Joe Bonaventure is due to outline the Restorative Justice Program on Tuesday afternoon at the Las Vegas police convention center area office.
Las Vegas was picked in April as one of 10 places in the nation for a U.S. Justice Department grant to begin the program with help from the New York-based nonprofit Center for Court Innovation.
Officials say the goal is to reduce crime and substance use, address victims' issues, save money and boost public confidence in courts.
Offenders are directed into projects like graffiti-removal, park maintenance and litter clean-up, while getting opportunities for drug and alcohol counseling, mental health services and job training.
