CMPD's new programs help keep juvenile offenders out of jail

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In North Carolina, 16-year-olds are tried as adults, but the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has teamed up with local organizations to keep youthful offenders from getting locked up.

"I got my mind straight about what I was trying to accomplish with my life, and I just didn't envision myself being in jail for the rest of my life," said one of the teens.

Eyewitness News is not identifying a 17-year-old who is part of CMPD's life skills and diversion programs. Last year, he was charged with six counts of breaking and entering. He could have been tried as an adult but was offered an alternative to jail.

"I had realized that I could have spent a lot of time in prison for the things I did so I was like if this program would get me out of it, I'm going to straighten up," he said.

Every week, more than a dozen first-time offenders are taught at the Urban League in Charlotte as part of an intervention program with CMPD to mentor and supervise 16 to 21 year olds who've never been in trouble with the law. The class is voluntary, but it gives them a second chance and an opportunity for success.

"We operate from the premise here that if you can change your mind, you can control your destiny," said Shelia Funderburke, senior vice president of programs for the Urban League.

The diversion program comes with strict rules, including out-of-pocket restitution for victims, a 6 p.m. curfew and random drug tests. They also have wear electronic monitoring bracelets and admit guilt. If they break any of rules in the program, they go back to jail.

"So if they don't come home at 6, you have a police officer coming out there looking for you rather than your mother being mad at you," said CMPD Sgt. David Scheppegrell.

As part of the diversion program, the teen Eyewitness News spoke to signed a two-year agreement. Once he completes the program, his felony charges will be dropped.

Eyewitness News also spoke to his mother who said, "He's learned that he's better than what put him in that position, and he has much more to look forward to."

The teen said he has plans to go to two years of community college and then to barber school.

CMPD said there are about 120 youthful offenders in Mecklenburg County. Fifteen to 20 take advantage of this program every month.

WSOC