Armed Patrols in New Haven CT

[beakersloco]

I found this article while reading a self defense blog about some some people that are fed up with crime in there area.

http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=6642501

Thursday, June 14, 2007
New Haven, Connecticut

From WTNH of June 11, 2007

Armed citizen patrol in New Haven

One group armed with guns is ready to make their New Haven neighborhood a safer place by patrolling in the area around Edgewood Park.

The Edgewood Park Defense Patrol will be patrolling the 16-block area from Whalley to Edgewood and Winthrop to West Park. They believe that the police are not doing their part to keep the streets safe.

Their uniform is a black tee-shirt with Edgewood Park Defense Patrol and their mission is to keep peace on the streets with armed bike patrols.

"It's certainly not the substitute that one would want but when you're missing what you're supposed to have and things are slipping out of hand then you're left with no choice but to do something about it," said Eliezer Greer.

Members of Yeshiva New Haven decided to take matters into their own hands after Rabbi Dov Greer was physically assaulted Sunday night. They say they've been appealing to the city for years with no results and are tired of sitting by while the vandalism, robberies and muggings increased.

"Being home with our families in the evenings is what we'd rather be doing than having to ensure that there's safety and security in the neighborhood," said Aviad Hack.

They will be patrolling in pairs every night from 6-10 PM, with one person carrying a concealed gun.

"Anyone who patrols with a gun in an attempt to use it as a deterrent is putting themselves and other citizens at risk and I absolutely discourage it," said Mayor John DeStefano.

DeStefano says he has looked at the deployment levels in the Edgewood Park area and believes the police coverage is sufficient. News Channel 8 saw squad cars and officers walking the beat, but one man who is running for mayor, says he does not believe in vigilantism, but supports the residents move to protect their neighborhood.

"Perhaps it's time to look at contacting the Governor and asking the Governor to provide state police department's oversight in helping New Haven," said Jim Newton of New Haven.

The Defense Patrol says that they don't believe this will make them targets, rather it will wake up the neighborhood and encourage others to join in. They say they will continue the patrols as long as necessary.

Several articles on the same thing
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/a...oods_packi.php

Other residents dont agree with armed patrols.
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2007/06/blacks_jews_den.php

[beakersloco]

I dont know about anyone else but I thinks it a good idea in light of what happened after Katrina. I think that local police should work with them and possibly have a assigned officer in the area that they would report to.


I also think that in times of emergency having people in each community that are trained to work with the police and in there absence keep the peace. Basically require that all participants take a class or attend police training. I know that if something like this was offered I would take the class.

[indianaxd9]

I have mixed feelings on this. Obviously, there are safety concerns having untrained civilians doing police work. Then again, the police can't provide 24 hour protection. I agree with the idea of them working with the police, instead of as a substitute for the police. It's a tough call to make.

[BlackRifleMP]

In my area they had and I wish they still had a civilian academy. What it did was made them a SFO (special function officer). They were trained in basic law and that sort of stuff. The thing is now they could reserve for a deptment they were no longer a civilian and fell under LEO juesdiction. I don't know why it was stoped. I think it was costing the Co. too much money. As a LEO I don't mind people patroling or protecting there homes and surrounding community just don't take the law in to your own hands. What police need is more of a observer an extra set of eys and ears. The best thing to do unless life is in danger is to get as much info as you can and repot it o the local police. Keep good records of every were you go. Don't put yourself in harms way just cuz you are armed. The best crime stopper is presence. I know this post was about an article, but this
can apply anywhere.

[beakersloco]

Thats why I posted it to get other peoples thoughts on it .. interesting to see other peoples thoughts especially LEO thoughts ..

I personally think that it could work ... the only formality would be what type of training to provide the civillians ....

[Mephis]

It depends. Is it right how it's being handeled right now? Of course not. A CCW is a permit for defence not a license to play super man.

Do I believe the police should provide security training and weapons training to citizens for free in exchange for them defending certant places/events/structure at certant times with government benefits? Yes.

[eagpag@suddenlink.net]

Shoot someone and be wrong. You better have a lot of money. You will have time to think about it in prison.

[BlackRifleMP]

I think this is why our founding fathers wrote the 2nd amendment. We all have the wright to protect ourselves, our families, life, liberty, and everything else not covered in the above.

[jeepinbanditrider]

I think it's a good idea.

[retrodog]

This is a disaster just waiting to happen. If they have no authority then you can start counting the seconds till they get disbanned. One a-hole citizen who challenges their authority and shoots (or gets shot by) one of them will bring the whole thing to an end.