About the NorthEast Citizens on Patrol

            The NorthEast Citizens  Patrol (NECOP), a partnership between HARBEL Community Organization and the Northeast District Police, is the largest volunteer patrol group in Maryland.  Now in its eighth year, the Patrol functions as the eyes and ears of the community and reports any concerns directly to the police via two-way radio.

            Comprised of some 600 volunteers from 20 communities along the Harford and Belair Road corridors in Northeast Baltimore City, Patrol members are out three nights per week looking for unusual occurrences in the community which might signal trouble or a need for help.  Members are not allowed out of their cars;  breaking  this cardinal rule is cause for dismissal. 

            Area businesses have responded to this increased surveillance of the corridors and community.  The Al Packer Ford Enterprises  donated a vehicle which is used as a command car.  They also gave funds for the illuminated rooftop signs sported by each vehicle.  Glenmore Service Center  on Belair Road donates gas to the command car.  The Baltimore City Police Dept. donated the radios which are used for instant communication between the volunteers and the uniformed police officer in the command car.  When a member spots something of concern, he radios his concern directly to the officer.  Response is instant.  The cumbersome procedure of calling  base stations, sometimes used by community groups, is eliminated, as is calling 911.

             7-11 has made their comfort stations, coffee and sodas available to patrollers.  The Rosemont Community Association donated funds for a television and VCR, used by the police for training purposes.  Other associations have provided refreshments to volunteers.  Community response to this effort has been enthusiastic and far-reaching.    The Mayor of  Baltimore and the US Congressman representing the area are Honorary Patrol members.  So is the City Council President.  All have driven  a route  and reported their concerns to the command car. 

            In fact, it was two City Council members who were instrumental in curtailing a dirt biker, caught riding illegally in the neighborhood.  Another arrest came during the shift of the Beverly Hills Improvement Association.  Members spotted a driver weaving erratically on Belair Road, notified the command car and the officer responded, interrogated, tested, and arrested a drunk driver.  The obviously intoxicated driver was removed from Northeast streets before doing any harm to life or property.  This is Patrol work at its best. 

            Patrol members have been vigilant in pursuing these cases through the criminal justice system.  In the case of the Beverly Hills-facilitated arrest,  members followed the case through four court appearances, finally resulting in substantial jail time for the defendant.  The message has gone out loud and clear: don’t drive drunk in Northeast Baltimore because you WILL be caught.