JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- In an effort to prevent crime by getting children off the streets, the city will send suspended students to five new centers where they'll be kept busy when they're not allowed in the classroom.

A news conference took place Wednesday at one of the suspension centers -- Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church of Jacksonville near Potter's Field in Northwest Jacksonville.

A teacher, a social worker and a school resource officer will staff each of the five centers; and the facilities will cost $1.5 million to run this year.

The idea behind the centers is to provide a constructive place for children who are suspended from school.

Mayor Peyton said he believes the suspension centers will have an impact on everyone, not just students.

"Prior to this, we basically had students who were expelled from school for behavioral problems just roaming the streets, and we had as many as 50,000 in one year. Now, we're saying, 'Look, let's put these kids in program that is structured, where there's educational learning, there's counseling and things of that nature to get them back on track so they're not roaming the streets either committing a crime or being a victim of crime,'" Peyton said.

The new centers are funded by a Jacksonville Journey grant.

The school superintendent said it's a great sign because it shows the community is taking an interest in helping out Jacksonville's schools.