Restorative justice conferencing
Evidence-rated crime-reduction intervention (EMMIE).
Effect on crime
reduces crime
Evidence quality
strong
Cost
low
What the evidence says
Restorative justice (RJ) conferencing involves facilitated meetings between offenders, victims, and others affected by an offense to discuss the consequences and agree on reparations. Evidence suggests that this intervention effectively reduces crime, particularly violent crimes, and is more successful when used alongside traditional justice procedures. Participants in RJ conferences report higher victim satisfaction and feelings of safety compared to those who do not participate.
How it works
RJ conferencing works by bringing together offenders and victims in a controlled environment, allowing offenders to take responsibility for their actions and express remorse. This process can enhance the legitimacy of the justice system for the offender and facilitate their reintegration into the community.
Implementation
Implementing RJ conferencing requires careful planning, including one-on-one discussions between facilitators, offenders, and victims to obtain consent. The conferences typically take place in private settings where all parties can openly discuss the impact of the crime and agree on reparative actions.
Source: College of Policing Crime Reduction Toolkit (What Works Centre for Crime Reduction). Summarised 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the College of Policing.