Derek "DB" Bedford went from juvenile detention to violence-prevention counselor, then back to prison, then to supervisor at Alameda County's new detention center. He now mentors young offenders, telling staff not to write anyone off because you might meet them again later. Judge Larry Goodman calls his turnaround remarkable.
This next report is about new beginnings. People can change. You've heard that before, and it's the philosophy of a program working out of the Alameda County Courthouse. Few illustrate that better than a young man who was given a second chance himself and is now doing the same for others. ABC 7's Willie Monroe has tonight's Focus on Solutions report.
Derek Bedford, or DB as he's called, brings a unique perspective to his job as a supervisor at At Alameda County's new juvenile detention center. He used to be locked up at the old facility.
To me, I think that being here raises awareness to everybody to know that don't write off any one of these minors because you never know when you'll see them again.
We first met Derek in 1999. He'd already turned his life around and was receiving an award for his work as a violence prevention counselor. He credited the birth of his daughter Jasmine for his turnaround. It made me have to live for something else other than my— it wasn't about me no more. It was about jazz. His transition really began at the Alameda County Courthouse in the courtroom of Judge Larry Goodman.
Well, Derrick's story is the most remarkable story ever. I mean, to going from somebody that— we argue about this. I think I put him in jail 5 times. He says 3 times. Sometimes you have to get people's attention.
Derrick Bedford tries to get the attention of the young people sentenced to this facility. Not all of them know his story. Who you calling? Water heater. Even after clearing his record, it was a challenge for Derek to get his job. Now, after several years, he's a supervisor working with people like Vincent Bordelon, who first met Derek as a teenaged inmate.
From over the years working, you really get to get a good feel on kids, and Derek was one I always had a good feel on because I knew he was going to make it.
Many young felons could also make it given another chance.
If they show any kind of potential for change or any potential for growth, then you have to give them an opportunity to flourish when the time is right for them. You know, you can't make someone change. You can just, you know, advise them or make them aware that change is possible. It's his way of life on and off the job.
In San Leandro, Willie Monroe, ABC 7 News.
I was literally kicked off a Southwest flight before for being disrespectful.
