BELLINGHAM, WA. – (KGMI.com) A recently established community court in Bellingham could handle non-violent offenses in the future.

While the court is in its infancy, a lot of kinks will need to be worked out.

But Municipal Court Administrator Darlene Peterson has hopes for the court.

She says the mission of the community court is to keep people out of the criminal justice system and break the cycle of crime.

The court will work to connect offenders to resources that provide support and alternatives to incarceration.

For example, residents struggling with food insecurity and committed grocery theft will be referred to free pantries.

Already substance abuse and mental health programs in Bellingham are established, and the court will help connect those needing services.

Peterson says the court can only work if offenders encourage others to use the court as an alternative.

Peterson says that the court is fortunate to have the support of residents, city council and the mayor.

Whether the court will handle cases retroactively has yet to be determined.

Olympia and Tukwila have similar institutions that Bellingham may look to for guidance in the early days.