🚀 go-pugleaf

AVONDALE 
 This Cincinnati neighborhood, beset by a rash of shootings in late March and early April, welcomed the city�s newest group of Citizens on Patrol on Thursday.

Twelve new volunteers responded to Cincinnati Police Chief James Craig�s call for a patrol in Avondale. Craig made his call during a community meeting April 4 at New Friendship Baptist Church.

These residents and business owners have completed training and are now part of the Avondale Citizens on Patrol. Seven of the 12 new recruits are Avondale residents.

The Avondale group was joined in its inaugural patrol by members of established Citizens on Patrol groups from other neighborhoods, a tradition that highlights cooperation and support of community volunteers, said Craig, who addressed the group at roll call.

The group began its patrol at the Avondale Community Pride Center, 3520 Burnet Ave.

�The idea is to get people from active COPP (Citizens on Patrol Program) teams to teach effective strategies to people in Avondale who are committed to making a positive difference in their neighborhoods,� said Officer Princess Davis, who, as Citizens on Patrol Program coordinator, oversees about 450 volunteers patrolling 31 neighborhoods.

Citizens on Patrol have been a part of the Cincinnati Police Department since 1997, and nearly 2,000 people have completed its training.

Active members walk or ride through neighborhoods on foot, bicycle or automobile patrol.

Members undergo training and work in a structured program. They carry police radios and cell phones but no weapons.

�They are extra sets of eyes and ears for the police,� Davis said

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20120607/NEWS01/306070125/


--- Posted via news://freenews.netfront.net/ - Complaints to news@netfront.net ---