What does the Community Accountability Board (CAB) do? 

 The Board’s job is to interview the offender, review the case, and determine reasonable requirements which the community can expect of the offender as consequences for irresponsible behavior.  These requirements may include community service hours, restitutions, and counseling, among other sanctions.  One of the goals of the Board is to impress on the offender the connection between the offender’s behavior and its effects upon the community and the offender.The Board serves as a role model for responsibility.  The Board members become active participants in holding offenders accountable for delinquent activities in their community.  This process makes the offender aware of the direct relationship between crime and the victims of that crime (the community). 

Who’s on the CAB?

 The Board is made up of five members, with a minimum of three members present for an operational board.  The Board is guided by a Hermiston Police Officer.  The Board is comprised of:· Two members representing the Hermiston School District· Two members representing the City Council of Hermiston· One citizen of Hermiston (At large)The Board members are volunteers selected through an application process from their respective communities.  The Board Members are directly assisted and monitored by a Hermiston Police Department Youth Officer.

 Benefits of the CAB

 Through this program, the juvenile will be held accountable for their criminal actions by imposing swift and appropriate consequences.  It allows parent/ guardian(s) to share responsibility in the minor’s actions.  The counseling helps the juveniles and their families find solid healthy solutions to everyday problems.· Avoidance of a juvenile record· A more timely resolution (hearing) as opposed to waiting to get on juvenile docket· A resolution that is resolved through community service allows a youth to “come clean” within themselves as well as the sentencing entry· The student offender is aware that they have “been given a chance” and will be more inclined to respond in appreciation and compliance (as opposed to anger and escalation).· Collaboration with the Hermiston School District to ensure that unacceptable behavior is addressed and remedied before it has the potential to impact school safety

Progress So Far

By the end of November, the C.A.B. had placed 13 juveniles under their jurisdiction.  As of December 4, 2008, all 13 juveniles have maintained progress with the conditions of their C.A.B. contracts.  One of the thirteen has successfully completed his probation and conditions.  Another is currently transitioning from alternative school to a regular schedule due to his improvement in his behavior, success in attending school and improvement in his grades.  Two of the 13 are receiving or beginning to receive counseling to help identify other issues that may have contributed to their behavior.