CLEVELAND -- Several dozen civic and religious leaders gathered at City Hall Tuesday in support of a policy that's expected to cut down on crime.

Beginning in January, if Cleveland police catch someone with drug paraphernalia and it's the first or second offense, the suspect will catch a break that could change his or her entire life.

Charlie Thompson has spent more than half of his life in prison, a fate he may not have faced had he been treated sooner for a drug addiction.

"My addiction was never addressed. I was just being penalized for the wrong act. When I'd get released it would escalate again," said Thompson.

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson said at least 85 percent of incarcerations have underlying substance abuse issues.

He has decided to send first and second time drug paraphernalia possession cases to drug court and treatment.

"If we just charge a felony and don't treat the addiction, we're creating a revolving door," Jackson said.

The idea is also to reduce crime, robberies and burglaries.

"We're not being soft on crime. We're trying to redeem the lives of people caught up in the cycle of addiction," said the Rev. Marvin McMickle.

Thompson said a felony record makes it hard to find employment, but he's been clean for six years and hasn't committed any more crimes.

"You take away the addiction, you have a person leading a productive life," he said.

The mayor said people will still be arrested, they just won't be charged with a felony the first time they are caught with residue on drug paraphernalia.