Being put behind bars is not usually associated with good deeds, but a charity event taking place across the nation is serving up a different take on the activity.
The Police and Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) is inviting civic leaders, officials and senior officers to 'do time to keep kids out of crime' as part of the Time 4 Kids initiative.
Running from April 13 to 23, the PCYC's nonprofit marketing event fits in with the timing of National Youth Week 2012 and sees celebrities, business leaders and members of the community spending time in a portable jail cell under the supervision of a current police officer.
The generous patron will not be released from their incarceration until they manage to raise enough in 'bail money' - donations given to the PCYC - to secure their freedom.
Community leaders are able to contact family, friends and colleagues in order to secure the funds they need - as well as calling out to members of the public as they pass by.
Those entering the mock cell will be wearing garish prison gear - including a striped jumpsuit and cap - and will have a bucket on hand for public donations.
Money raised throughout the week will go towards assisting the operations of local PCYC chapters in providing safe, supportive environments for young people at risk to develop life skills and expand their leadership potential.
To date, a number of high-profile community leaders have already put their hands up and 'pled guilty' to the charge of generosity - including local mayors, members of parliament and a surprising number of police officers as well.
Speaking on the initiative, PCYC manager Jane Cartwright explained that Time 4 Kids was as much about securing community support as it was focused on gathering public donations.
Ms Cartwright asserted: "We have some very generous community leaders willing to take the lead, 'do some time' and help us raise funds for our Police programs and equipment needs at the club."
In particular, organisers of the week-long charity event hope to promote the work done by police youth caseworkers and the efforts they go to in order to turn around the lives of children at risk of entering lives of crime.
The event is being held across the nation by local PCYC organisations - with public demonstrations helping to highlight their efforts to the front of the community.
