A former police officer and prosecutor is now leading one of San Francisco’s most closely watched courtrooms, focused not just on punishment, but on second chances.<\/p>\n
The model has been replicated across the country after the city launched this first-of-its-kind program about a decade ago. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Before he ever wore a robe, Judge Eric Fleming wore a badge. But doubts crept in when he came close to shooting an armed 14-year-old while on the job.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“I couldn’t pull the trigger, and it just kind of made me reevaluate, should I be a police officer?” said Fleming.\u00a0<\/p>\n
That moment became a turning point for the former Los Angeles police officer. Fleming left law enforcement, went to law school, and later became a prosecutor in the San Francisco District Attorney’s office, before ultimately choosing the bench.<\/p>\n
“As an African American, one of the things you should try to do is to get in a position where you can help your community,” said Fleming.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Today, Fleming presides over San Francisco’s Young Adult Court, a collaborative court for defendants between the ages of 18 to 25.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The program blends accountability with services like education, job training and counseling, aiming to reduce repeat offenses during a critical stage of brain development. <\/p>\n
Judge Bruce Chan helped launch the court in 2015.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Not only is it good science, it’s also good public policy, and it’s good for public safety,” said Chan.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Extensive research has shown if young adults can reach age 25 without a criminal record, their likelihood of ever having such a record drops significantly.<\/p>\n
Chan is set to retire this year, leading to passing of the gavel.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“He understands the nature of the work. He understands the population. He’s committed to the idea,” Chan told CBS News Bay Area.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Fleming said his experience as a prosecutor shaped his approach.<\/p>\n
“After being a prosecutor, I just wanted to use some of the discretion and make decisions that I wouldn’t have to make decisions just based on what my office wanted,” said Fleming.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Expectations are clear. Participants must follow strict rules, check in regularly and meet program requirements.<\/p>\n
“They’re going to make mistakes, you know, they’re going to be lapses, but at the end of the day, they’re going to be held accountable,” said Fleming.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When necessary, he doesn’t hesitate to tighten the reins.<\/p>\n
“If I’m not very forceful, you’re probably doing well, but I will get strict when I need to be strict,” said Fleming.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For Fleming, it’s about balance, compassion with consequences, and using his position to guide young adults at a crossroads.<\/p>\n
Chan, the city’s first Young Adult Court Judge, was recently presented with the Aranda Access to Justice Award.<\/p>\n
It honors a judge who promotes fairness and has improved access for low- and moderate-income Californians.\u00a0<\/p>\n