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 | CCOP |
I joined the Castro Community on Patrol, an organization of volunteers who coordinate patrols through the Castro area in an effort to deter crime and educate people about safety in our community. I went through my first training session, which was a very eye-opening experience. In just three short hours, I had far more respect for our understaffed and overworked police force than before. We are here because the SFPD simply cannot respond to all crime happening in our district, and they are profoundly grateful for CCOP organizing these beat patrols.
My first patrol happens on the 30th, and by then I'll have all of the standard issue and equipment to join my 3 person team. After my first night, I'll explain much more about the team and how we conduct our operations. Quite a few organizations supplied the cash to make this community service a reality, including the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence! Thanks to them, we have radios, orange vests and shirts, flashlights, clipboards, and whistles.
If that doesn't sound like a big deal, it actually is, because there are approximately 120 of us! We are still too few in number, and we need to grow the volunteer service to well over 200. It's tough to find good volunteers and keep them, because after all we are exposing ourselves to risk by joining the patrols. I guess one can say that we're just flat-out crazy. Or maybe it is that some of us have chests that can deflect bullets. :winky:
If you live in the general vicinity and would like to join our beat patrols, send an email to me, or visit our website at www.castropatrol.org.
Lastly, click here for a Quicktime video about CCOP.
... and no, I won't be wearing my stormtrooper armor.
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