Tenants worked alongside criminal offenders Thursday to clean up an East Flatbush public housing complex.

Non-violent criminals, who've pleaded guilty to offenses such as turnstile jumping and petty theft, helped tenants wash away graffiti at the Glenwood Houses and clear trash. Non-profit volunteers also pitched in, thanks to funding from Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein.

Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes says his alternative sentencing program works. Hynes says about 15,000 to 20,000 non-violent criminals take part in the program yearly, and it prevents recidivism.