PURPOSE: The purpose of the community service alternative program is to provide a system by which minors who commit delinquent acts may be dealt with in a speedy and informal manner at the community or neighborhood level.

 

THE GOAL: The goal is to make the juvenile understand the seriousness of his or her actions and the effect that a crime has on the minor, his or her family, his or her victim and his or her community. In addition, this system offers a method to reduce the ever-increasing instances of delinquent acts while permitting the judicial system to deal effectively with cases that are more serious in nature.

 

THE EMPHASIS: The emphasis of this program is on the juvenile but it is not exclusively restricted to juvenile offenders. Adult offenders ages 17 thru 19 may be included in this program with the authorization of the chief of police of the village of Colfax.

 

Eligibility: In order to be offered the community service program as an alternative to prosecution, the offender must admit responsiblity for the offense committed. The offense in question must not be on the list offered by the McLean County States Attorney's office as ineligible for the program. The parents or legal guardian of the offender must support the terms offered and sign the permission form. A record of the community service completed shall be maintained at the Colfax Police Department and the program shall follow the principles of progressive discipline.

 

THE OFFER OF COMMUNITY SERVICE IN LIEU OF PROSECUTION IS A PRIVILEGE OFFERED SOLELY AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COLFAX CHIEF OF POLICE OR HIS OR HER DESIGNATE.

 

As Community Service is an on going program we are always interested in new ideas for community service work to be performed by the participants.  Please contact the Colfax Police Dept. at 309-723-6241 with your ideas and suggestions.