CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Over the last three years, nearly 400 teens have been arrested more than 3,000 times total, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police data. Now, law enforcement and local groups are seeking solutions to youth crime through mentorship programs.
CMPD said it has arrested 385 teens during that time, but officials say they're seeing success with two programs that help turn around the lives of repeat offenders.
The first program is the Fifth Element mentorship program. Launched in 2023, Fifth Element has officers mentor teens with criminal histories who agree to join the 12-month program. Last year, five boys signed on. CMPD says it is now working with four additional teens whose ages range from 13 to 17.
Maj. Torri Tellis said the relationship between the teens and officers is a "big brother, a fill-in dad, a best friend." Tellis said the officers work to connect with the teens so they can see them beyond their uniforms, telling WCNC Charlotte the most important aspect is building trust.
"They still have to make that decision within themselves," Tellis said. "That, 'You know what? They're trusting in me, so I'm going to trust in them and let them get me where I need to be.'"
Tellis said of the five participants who joined the program last year, two stuck with it and are no longer getting in trouble. And the benefits are more than simply avoiding run-ins with police.
"Academic success, meaning graduation, moving on to college, military or a career," Tellis said.
The program also allows the officers to take the teens to fun activities, like Hornets games, and they host lessons and meetings that help educate them on a wide range of topics, including business and career skills. The goal is for the teens to gain a support system and understand that there's life beyond crime.
Kwasi Amponsa, the program manager for the Alternatives to Violence initiative in the Beatties Ford corridor, commends CMPD for its work with Charlotte's youth.
"They have a valuable role in the safety of our community," Amponsa said.
However, Amponsa said for his program to be successful, they can't work with police.
"With the community violence intervention that we do, we take individuals who are familiar from the community, who are credible, and who are respected amongst those individuals who don't want anything to do with law enforcement," Amponsa explained.
Instead, the group uses its relationships with high-risk individuals to resolve conflicts before they turn violent. They also refer participants to wrap-around services.
"Not just anyone can walk down Catherine Simmons [Avenue] and say, ‘Hey, you know, I know you got a gun. Let's not use it today,'" Amponsa added.
The ATV program focuses on repeat offenders ages 14-26, as data shows that is the age group with the highest crime rate.
Families interested in joining CMPD's Fifth Element Program can contact the department at 704-336-7600.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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