Thousands of men to patrol the streets (Philadelphia: crime, home)

[TheJickler]

This may be old news to those that live here, but what are your thoughts on the plan to have thousands of citizens patrol the streets to help the police? I heard the story on the radio and read it here:

Volunteers eager to patrol Philadelphia - Los Angeles Times

Do you think this will work? Is it a crazy idea? I'm not from anywhere near Philadephia, but I find it to be a very interesting story. Any thoughts?

[rainrock]

I believe its a very positive step. After an uptick in the murder rate for the past year and a half the murder rate has slowed considerably in the past month or so.

To have 10,000 black men show up for a rally is pretty impressive. Hopefully the tide starts turning, Philadlephia needs it.

[MrSykes]

A commendable effort indeed. Similar movement occured in New Orleans last year. So much for the accusation that blacks aren't concerned with improving their communities.

[kilbillrain]

Can't question thier good intentions, but it'll either fizzle out, or a peacekeeper will get shot and that'll be the end of it. Amazingly it is only(90%) in the minority neighborhoods with little if any spillover in to the CBD, financial district, middle class,hip and high class neighborhoods. It really is amazing how 3/4 of the city is nearly flawless and completely sepapate from the 1/3 that is as Bad as Sadr city. Each completely oblivious that the other even exists.

[Icy Tea]

I think if it helps, its not a bad thing. But why aren't more men at home keeping their kids at home instead of letting them roam the streets causing trouble? I'd say that would be more effective than forcing responsible people out to risk their safety. More police would also be even more effective(its working so far as the murder rate is finally down slightly) as would getting a new competent Mayor and Police Commissioner.

[GujuNilesh]

I think that if our city offered more social services and places for youth to hangout in a safer enviroment such as a basketball court with supervision and maybe the inclusion of churches and leaders offering morals to live by could set a role model for the youth to live by, thus in the future when the come across making decision such as taking drugs or killing someone they would be less inclined to take that step. I personally believe that Philly is facing the homicides are primarily due to our unwillingness to teach the kids right morals and to be good parents. But hey if we want to end the death rates, we have to start somewhere, and we need to start sooner than later. Agreed?

[AreaKnowledge]

How sad but very true. I am a young professional and would definatelly like living in Philadelphia. But because of all the news I preffer to live on the suburbs on Philly which does make me feel much safer.. well maybe its just the way i am.
If you go online to search for child rapist and other crime cases the numbers are staggering in comparison to cities such as NYC. Maybe with Mr. Mutter being elected things will start changing. Lets keep our fingers crossed!

[PhillyPhan]

i think that this is a very positive step towards the future Philadelphia. i am glad that they are doing something about this problem, especially the way cops are being shot all over the place.