Well, this is an iffy subject here. I think they are more so talking about ppl getting into fights. I am sure they don't relate to stealing and murder. I mean what are they going to say? "Sorry I killed you, but you were DAMN ugly. I thought I was doing the community a service."
I am sure it's a way out for the little crimes. It also stated though that it will come with probation, so they aren't just going to get out of it by saying sorry, they'll avoid jail, but they will be on probation.
I still don't think it's too good of an idea though. I think it'll give ppl the idea that they can beat the crap out of every Tom, Dick, and Harry, and so long as they say they are sorry, they won't go to jail.