A mentoring program in Pinellas County is helping at-risk youth build life skills and relationships with law enforcement.

  • "Men in the Making" comprised of multiple agencies
  • Mentors hope to help at-risk youth make good choices
  • http://meninthemaking.org/

“Men in the Making” is made up of members of St. Petersburg Police, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and other community leaders. Mentors in the program teach the young men how to make good choices and stay on the right track.

The program also allows the young men to interact and build trust with law enforcement.

"I love it," said Pinellas County Sheriff's Deputy John Patrick. "What we can show them, teach them, making an impact on society."

For 14-year-old Morris McCray, police officers are more than just a badge.

"I don't think of them as police officers," said McCray. "I call them family."

That said, McCray said he can’t help but feel confused when he sees senseless acts of violence unfolding across the country.

"When I see police officers shoot young men, first what I think of is 'what happened and where could that have been stopped?'" said McCray. "And then when I hear young men shooting police officers I think of my mentors."

To help understand these tragic times, McCray said he’s grateful to have his mentors from “Men in the Making”

"What happens in Baton Rouge, what happens in Dallas, what happens in Minnesota affects us all," said St. Petersburg PD Assistant Chief Luke Williams.

"People that you're engaging with are people that really care about them and what one officer does doesn't reflect law enforcement, by no stretch of the imagination," said Williams.

When society is surrounded by shootings and racial tension, the mentors want to remind the young men that retaliation is never the answer.

"Two wrongs don't make a right and a negative action against negativity will never bring forth anything positive," Reverend Kenny Irby, Director of Community Intervention for the St. Petersburg Police Department said.

For more information on the Men in the Making mentor program, visit meninthemaking.org.