CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A program that puts accused criminals in the classroom instead of jail is gaining momentum.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department created a youth diversion program for young first offenders.
The program kicked off in January 2013, and is designed to help children make better choices and think about their future goals.
"Rather than starting an arrest history and pushing them through the criminal justice system, why not give them an opportunity to make a turn?" said Sgt. Celestine Ratliff, supervisor of the program.
Nearly 900 children have been through the program.
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