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Have You Seen the Light?
Help Wanted: Car Patrol
Drivers
Contact:
Jason Helmlinger
carpatrol@historicginterpark.org or
(804) 358.0188
What is the purpose of Car Patrol?
The car
patrol attempts to reduce the incidence of crime in our neighborhood by
making Ginter Park less attractive to criminals. This is done primarily
in two ways.
1. By getting the flashing patrol light out on the street as often as
possible, day and night.
2. By looking for and reporting suspicious individuals and vehicles, or
situations that make us vulnerable to crime.
The chance
of a patrol observing a crime being committed is slim. But, if our
neighborhood is well patrolled, outsiders will think twice about coming
here to commit a crime.
What is my patrol area?
There are
two patrol routes:
1. north/south streets and alleys of Ginter Park Residents' Association
2. east/west streets and alleys of Ginter Park Residents'
Association
The patrol
lasts (no more than) two hours. During this time, the patrollers
cover the areas of the neighborhood that are on the route. All
patrols cover Chamberlayne Avenue and the “triangle” behind Ginter Park
School.
Below are
the eight areas to be patrolled.
1. West/East Seminary "U" -5000 blocks entered from Azalea
2. The rest of West and East Seminary
3. North of Union Theological Seminary to Seminary Place
4. South of Union Theological Seminaryto Brookland Park Blvd.
5. The "Triangle" behind Ginter Park School-formed by Chamberlayne,
North & Laburnum
6. South of Laburnum to Brookland Park Blvd.-between Chamberlayne
& Edgewood
7. Laburnum Park-Laburnum, Brook, Westwood, and Hermitage
8. Chamberlayne Avenue
Where is the equipment box and what
equipment is used?
The equipment box is located at 3000 Seminary Ave. (Enter the driveway
and drive to the backdoor of the building. The equipment box is located
to the right of the backdoor, near the covered, columned pathway and the
AC units. The equipment box holds the car patrol logbook ( containing
all information available on Car Patrol), the car patrol light, a cell
phone, and flashlights.
What is my patrol schedule?
Each patrol
is scheduled for once a month. There are three shifts A
(7am-12pm), B(12pm-5pm), C(5pm-10pm). You and your partner choose a day
and shift that fit into your schedules. This becomes your shift every
month. You and your partner patrol your route (taking 1 ˝ to 2 hours)
at any time during the five hours of your shift.
Who is my partner?
It is best
if you can find your own partner, but one may be assigned to you. It
may take longer for me to locate a partner for you.
How am I trained?
I have put
together a car patrol volunteer packet to answer questions that may
arise as new volunteers begin patrolling. Once you sign up for a shift,
I will drop off your packet. I will also schedule police training
sessions throughout the year and encourage you to attend at least one.
What if I need to reschedule my shift?
If
patrols don’t go out, we don’t have a car patrol. Understandably,
situations arise preventing you from patrolling on your scheduled
shift. However, you are asked to reschedule your shift to another open
shift on the calendar. Just call or email me to let me know of the
change. There may be times that when it is impossible to reschedule,
but I am asking for a good-faith effort on your part.
Is it necessary to get the equipment each
time I patrol?
Yes!
Without the flashing light and signs, others will not know you are
patrolling. This defeats the purpose of car patrol. We desperately
need car patrollers! Please consider volunteering to make Ginter Park,
your neighborhood, a safer place. Please thank your neighbors who are
already driving!
Thank
you!
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