CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -- Juvenile crime rates have dropped 55 percent since a juvenile program hit Clarksville, said police.

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Olivia Caprarotta said her life was out of control before her arrest this year and that her sentence to work with Operation Turnaround program changed everything.

"They actually give their heart out to you," said Olivia. "And they really care, not like most teen places that act like they care."

A Clarksville officer began the program three years ago when he noticed a crack in the system and decided to rehabilitate juveniles through compassion. Since then, the program has mentored thousands of youths through organized intramural sports, cooking programs and community service.

Shawnda Guilliott's daughter went through the program.

"She got into a little confrontation at school, and when she got into the program, it helped her avoid getting into confrontations and stuff, so now she don't get in trouble," said Guilliott.

Kevin Kennedy represents some of the juveniles in the program and said he's seen the decrease in cases and re-offenses.

"We're breaking the cycle," he said.

This program is the only one of its kind in the country, and it's gaining local and national attention.

Olivia said her time with Operation Turnaround isn't over.

"I'm going to mentor when I turn 18," she said. "They've asked me to be one so I can share my story with other youth."

Program leaders hope stories like hers will spread throughout the mid-state and beyond.

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City of Clarksville