SD’s ‘Instant Justice’ Clears Beach Areas, Citations

Program Participants Pay $40 Fee, Complete Five Hours Of Community Service

A new community service program launched on Tuesday gave people the opportunity to erase their violations and misdemeanors in exchange for cleaning up Pacific Beach.

The program, which is called “Instant Justice,” allows certain people who received citations over the Fourth of July holiday weekend to work off their citation by paying a $40 processing fee and completing five hours of community service. The community service includes cleaning up the local beaches, streets and sidewalks in Pacific Beach.

Many who showed up to register for the program committed various alcohol-related offenses, such as bringing open containers of alcohol onto the beaches or drinking while underage.

“I just brought a beer can on the boardwalk, so that was not a good idea,” said Jeremy Shapiro, who is visiting from Phoenix.

About 56 people eligible for the program registered for Tuesday morning’s cleanup.

The San Diego City Attorney’s office emphasized that it was up to police to decide whether or not violators could have a chance to work off their ticket.

“It’s all up to officer discretion, so the officer has to determine you’re a respectful person [and] you deserve a shot, a break and then they will give a referral,” said Deputy City Attorney Terri Winbush.

Although there was some grumbling among those who showed up to face their punishment on Tuesday morning, most people realized they were fortunate.

“It’s definitely way better than going to courts and coming back to California and going through that whole process,” said Sean Ayers, who was cited for underage drinking. “I think it’s going to be faster and cheaper… so, better for me.”

Winbush hopes the program serves as a reminder to beachgoers to stay out of trouble during the next holiday by the beach.

She said there are plans to expand the program to future holidays, such as Labor Day and spring break.

10News.com