Peer Jury is designed to help teen offenders deal with a negative situation in a constructive and positive manner.  It is based on the premise that young people are less likely to recommit crimes if they are handled in a judicial process involving positive peer influence.  The Peer Jury program operates under the auspices of the Highland Park Police Department to provide a meaningful remedial method of dealing with selected juvenile offenders without involving the Juvenile Court.

The objective is to make youthful offenders accountable for their actions and learn from their mistakes.  Teens that were once youthful offenders are encouraged to become Peer Jury members once they complete their sentence.

The first Peer Jury was held on March 8, 2000, and “jurors” have deliberated over 200 cases since then.  Peer Jury hearings are held once a month in the Highland Park City Hall Council Chamber, 1707 St. Johns Avenue.

If you are interested in becoming a member of Peer Jury, please complete the enclosed application and return it to Detective Ginger Stokes at the Highland Park Police Department, 1677 Old Deerfield Road, Highland Park, Illinois, 60035 or gstokes@cityhpil.com.

For more information regarding the Peer Jury program, please view the attached brochure or contact Detective Ginger Stokes by phone at (847) 926-1116 or by email.