Being from California, I think it's great to see a county training law enforcement on restorative justice. Our prisons are overcrowded, and this can help keep these juveniles out of prison, thus reducing the overcrowding and financial costs of prison. I hope to one day see every county in California training their law enforcement officers on restorative justice practices. This is a strat in California and I hope it's not the end. I hope to see this type of training in the county where I am from, to wash out the redneck and tough on crime attitudes of the law eforcement there. Ther're all great guys, but they all could use some education on other practices besides the "tag em' and bag em'" attitudes they bring with them to work.

I feel that it is great that at least one department is trying to change how we as californians see crime. The training is a great step in making people aware of other forms of justice that are positive to both the offenders and the victims. THis approch will better incarceration rates and leave jails and prison for the major criminals and other programs and approches for petty criminals.

I'm glad to read that a California city is working on alternative means from incarceration for dealing with juvenile offenders. I believe that putting a youth in jail is counterproductive because of the relationships they make while incarcerated and the lack of positive experience they get out of jail time. I think to teach one, especially a youth, the impact of their actions is far more beneficial to all parties involved. It's sad that the U.S. is so much further behind New Zealand and the UK, but implementing RJ programs in the states is a step in the right direction. Hopefully other police departments will see the example Santa Barbara is putting forward and follow suit with their juvenile justice.