The St. Petersburg Police Department reports more than 1,400 juveniles were arrested for misdemeanors in 2014.

Traditionally, juveniles would be transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center, wait for their parents, then wait up to four weeks before going to trial.

But a new program in St. Petersburg is offering first-time misdemeanor offenders age 9-17 an immediate chance to stay on track and out of the juvenile justice system.

Instead of going to JAC, the young offender will now be offered participation in the 2nd Chance program. Offenses like theft, vandalism and fighting will be considered eligible for the program, felonies or misdemeanors involving sex and guns will not.

The goal is to catch young offenders early and punish them immediately, in hopes they re-think breaking the law again.

"We’re really trying to deal with those kids that made that little mistake in life,” said St. Petersburg Police Chief, Anthony Holloway. “So it doesn’t follow them their whole life."

The 2nd Chance program focuses on immediate intervention, immediate consequences. Children will be required to work an 8-hour Saturday community service shift within days of their arrest. Part of that day includes interaction with a social worker.

Work can include clearing preserves, picking up trash at parks, cleaning park bathrooms or working in a library.

“This is not a field trip, this is not a day at the rec center, this is hard work,” said Parks and Recreation Director, Mike Jefferis. "Really get the kids in and let them get their hands dirty and give a full day’s work.”

There’s also the hope that children who get participate in the 2nd Chance program will get introduced in Parks & Rec. activities and want to join in one of the many sports, tutoring or arts programs.

Once a child completes the program, SPPD says the offense will not be process through the Juvenile Justice System and there will be no record.