Approximately two calls every hour are made every day to local police departments from Wal-Mart locations in four Florida counties, according to a recent Tampa Bay Times investigation. And, in Lakeside, Colorado, Wal-Mart's calls for service accounted for approximately 40 percent of the department's calls, according to KUSA-TV findings.

However, the majority of these calls are for are for nonviolent and low-level crimes.

"Close to 3 out of every 4 calls for service were for shoplifting in 2015," Denver Police Lt. Bob Wyckoff told KUSA-TV reporters.

In the past, no one considered the idea of not calling the police. Until now.

Wal-Mart has decided to create a program called Restorative Justice, which is aimed at educating criminals instead of giving them a lifelong record. This program is offered to low-level, nonviolent offenders. Instead of calling the police, Wal-Mart gives petty criminals option to take an educational course — for a cost.

So far, the program has shown promising results.

"The Arlington Police Department ... estimates that the program has reduced police calls to local Wal-Mart stores by 40.5 percent from October 2015 to June 2016," according to TIME.

Is this a good idea for Wal-Mart or are they paving the way to even more criminal activity? I asked Mitch Slaymaker, deputy executive director at TMPA, the largest law enforcement association in Texas.

Overall, Slaymaker thinks this program is an innovative concept that he sees as having more potential benefits than consequences. One of the main benefits: lower recidivism. With the country's recidivism rate so high, any program that reduces imprisonment is beneficial — until it proves itself otherwise.

"I think that it is a good idea to think outside the box anytime we as a society are looking at ways to rehabilitate, especially given the fact that the recidivism rate in this country hovers around 70 to 80 percent," Slaymaker said. "Ultimately, it is the complainant (victim) who decides whether or not they wish to utilize the criminal justice system at all. If they choose an alternate course for an attempt at 'correction,' then that is their decision."

Another benefit? Police officers can focus their time and effort on major crimes and accidents, helping improve community relations and more. Instead of involving an officer when a parent gets caught stealing groceries to feed a family, that officer could be helping stop an armed robber down the street. And, instead of a permanent record, that parent could be getting educated on shoplifting and its effects — not only on the retailer but also himself/herself.

But the program does have its drawbacks. If people know they won't go to jail for stealing, they will be more likely to carry out the crime.

"It definitely removes the deterrent that the threat of jail has from the first offense of theft," Slaymaker said.

With Wal-Mart venturing into this territory, will others in the retail industry follow suit? It depends. Smaller retailers would not benefit from a program like this — they do not employ enough people, the number of crimes are minimal, etc. However, megastores nationwide could benefit from this type of program, especially if the megastore has a higher low-level crime rate.

For any retail business considering a program like Wal-Mart's Restorative Justice, there are some things to consider. Since this is an entirely new concept that has never before been tested, here are a few things to think about:

Are there clear definitions, regulations, procedures, etc. in place?

Every potential question needs to have an answer. If a person gets caught stealing $101.59 worth of groceries, does he fall in the same category as the person stealing $90.24? Will they pay different prices? What prices? Questions like these need to have firm, documented answers to prevent any potential bribing or "helping out a friend."

Will law enforcement be involved in any way?

They should be aware of what the retailer is doing to be able to effectively assist if the time comes. However, it might be best to keep law enforcement completely separate from the program.

"The only way [this type of program] could work as planned would be to have an agreement with a judicial body of some sort other than law enforcement. In fact, I would strongly suggest it," Slaymaker said. "To partner with law enforcement could be seen as the business having a 'strong arm' to bully someone into compliance, which is not only a bad perception but is wrong if it becomes that, whether intentionally or not. If partnered with the courts or probation systems, then they could take administrative action against the suspect for noncompliance."

How will you enforce the program?

"The problem may arise out of the fact that this option is not compulsory and therefore there would not be any consequences if the suspect indicates they would participate in the program and then simply did not show up," Slaymaker said.

Wal-Mart's Restorative Justice program has already proven successful. However, it will be interesting to see the effect it has on retailers and law enforcement.

Those considering a similar program should take the time and thoroughly invest in creating it. There are many benefits, but there are also risks and concerns that should be considered.

What impact do you see Restorative Justice having?