Cook Islands police are introducing two restorative justice schemes for people facing minor offences.
The diversion and pre-charge warning schemes will be reviewed in six months, before a decision is made about implementing them permanently.
They will target first-time offenders facing charges which carry maximum penalties of less a year's jail.
The police commissioner, Maara Tetava, says the diversion scheme will give offenders a second chance by allowing the prosecution to withdraw the case if certain requirements are met.
Under the scheme, offenders wouldn't receive criminal convictions, but would have to make good any damage and accept full responsibility for their actions.
