Posted on 05/24/2006 2:22:37 AM PDT by DieHard the Hunter
Crimefighting volunteers the Guardian Angels will patrol in eastern Manukau if the community asks for their help.
Members say they'll go where they are needed but that crime rates in the area might not justify their presence.
Howick residents, who go by code names Alpha One and Phoenix, have been patrolling with the west Auckland chapter for four months.
"We feel that we need to go into Manukau because we need to keep the whole community safe. Right now it's quite dangerous," Phoenix says.
Their phone has "run hot" with volunteers from south Auckland after plans to expand into the area were publicised, he says.
"If we have enough volunteers for the eastern side we will start an eastern chapter," he says.
"If the community needs us, if they ask for our presence, we will be there."
Both Angels attended a recent public meeting on violence in Highland Park but they don't believe the level of crime is particularly high.
"I can understand the concerns of the local community but some of those incidents were isolated," Phoenix says.
Guardian Angels were established in 1979 and now operate in 13 countries. The first New Zealand chapter started last year.
Members patrol in groups of four to six, including a team leader, a medic and a communications person.
They contact police about any crime or suspicious activity but are prepared to get involved if needed.
They follow a code of conduct for dealing with dangerous situations and have procedures to keep each other safe.
Members have a three-month training period, during which they can patrol in plain clothes.
"We work by a charter that has strict guidelines," Alpha One says.
"We do prepare ourselves in case an altercation does happen but we're not vigilantes. We don't go out looking for it, we just go out prepared."
Phoenix says Guardian Angel patrols fill a gap that groups like Crimewatch Patrol don't cover.
"There's a lot of stuff they don't see. We go into dark alleyways, into nooks and crannies.
"The police are doing their best but there are not enough of them. Maori wardens are doing a wonderful job but they're also under-resourced."
Police eastern area commander inspector Jim Searle says the Guardian Angels have not approached police for support.
"We do not support vigilante groups but do support community involvement in crime prevention," he says.
"If we were approached by the group we would offer them advice on acceptable actions in accordance with the law."
We *don't* have to wait for the Police to fix everything, and we *definitely don't* have to let the Bad Guys take over. We are empowered to do something about it. Something decisive.
It is a concept that has caught hold in NZ since January, and it is spreading like wildfire.
It is exciting to be a part of this. Thanks, Curtis!
"DieHard"
Psalms 27:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalms 27:2 When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell.
Psalms 27:3 Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war should rise against me, In this I will be confident.
Psalms 27:4 One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.
Psalms 27:5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. (NKJV)
> Psalms 27:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
I kiss the cross and say this one every nite I go out on Patrol. How did you guess?
GREAT PSALM!
GEORGE W'S,STONEWALL JACKSON'S,OLLIE NORTH'S AND MY FAVORITE!
I GOT TOO GET YOU TO STOP KISSING THE CROSS,WE'RE NOT CATHOLIC,:>}
GODSPEED!
p.s. no guess,just blessed with the GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST!
> GEORGE W'S,STONEWALL JACKSON'S,OLLIE NORTH'S AND MY FAVORITE!
I am in good company, then!
I had the privilege of speaking very briefly to Lt-Col Ollie North in the early '90's on Larry King's radio show. One of my cherished posessions is an autographed copy of his book.
Cheers
"DieHard"
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