A local organization helps criminals learn the importance of conflict management as a preventative measure.

The Center for Creative Justice, 210 Lynn Ave., is a local amenity that works to guide offenders through the legal system with high rates of success. The process is initiated when a perpetrator commits a first-time or nonviolent offense and is ordered by court to CCJ instead of the Department of Corrections.

ISU students currently comprise about one-third of CCJ’s caseload for alcohol- and drug-related charges.

According to the ISU Department of Public Safety’s crime statistics, there were 486 disciplinary referrals from the residence halls in 2005 for liquor law violations and an additional 218 arrests were made for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. In a student community, such infractions are common, but that doesn’t make the stipulations any less severe.

“The approach of Center for Creative Justice emphasizes that good people can make poor choices and still contribute positively to the community,” said Gene Deisinger, ISU Police commander and president of the board of directors for CCJ.

According to the organization’s Web site, “In 1974, the Center for Creative Justice was created when concerned citizens recognized the need for community involvement in the justice system.”

What began with probation observation extended to the realm of mediation and conflict resolution by 1980.

Today, the Center for Creative Justice strives toward a means of alternate dispute resolution or an attempt to resolve an altercation outside of the courtroom, and oversees arguments related to family, divorce, housing, juvenile and workplace issues.

“I was a police officer for 16 years, and honestly feel that I make more of a difference doing my job here, where long and lasting changes are made,” said Mark Kubik, executive director of the Center for Creative Justice.

The non-profit organization currently has about 15 volunteers active in mediation and six volunteers serving as probation officers. CCJ has seen an 87 percent success rate for its offenders’ completion and release from the probation program.

“Anyone in the community can contact us for help,” Kubik said.

By providing educational programs and workshops for residents of all ages, CCJ aims to teach citizens about the importance of conflict management, peaceful resolution and respect.

“We want this to be a real learning experience to keep people from going through the system again,” Kubik said.