Goals of the NorthEast Citizens on Patrol

The Patrol’s goals are very simple: serve as eyes and ears for the police in order to help prevent criminal activity and protect the community.  Protocols have been established by the Northeast District Police and HARBEL.  In addition to continual recruitment to increase the Patrol’s membership, goals for the year include expanding the geographic base of the Patrol.  At present the Patrol’s focus concentrates on the communities from Pulaski Highway to Perring Parkway, and from Erdman Avenue to Taylor Avenue.   The Patrol also includes the communities of Armistead Gardens and Coldstream-Homestead-Montebello.  In the near future, the Patrol hopes to expand to the communities along the Loch Raven corridor and eventually include all the neighborhoods of the Northeast.

Another goal of the Patrol for the year is to interact more closely with the Victim Assistance Liaison (VAL).  If an arrest is made in which the Patrol played a part, the communities have a vested interest in the outcome.  Victims want to know their perpetrator has been punished, and communities want the assurance they are safe.  As cases are presented for prosecution, VAL follows the case through the legal system and keeps the community informed.    VAL will instruct the victim as to what to expect from the judicial process and offer any assistance or information.

Goals also include additional fundraising for equipment needed as the Patrol expands.  To date, the Patrol has been the beneficiary of funds from the community to buy enough equipment to get it up and running.  Expansion to the entire Northeast district will require a second communications tower to be erected to enhance radio contact.  Informational brochures about the Patrol should be made available to those interested in volunteering or contributing. Monitoring  the web site and providing updates as needed is also in the plans.  Finally, a paid coordinator to ensure accurate and timely scheduling of volunteers is essential as the Patrol grows and expands its boundaries.