NCJ Number
16393
Date Published
Unknown
Length
83 pages
Annotation
REVIEW OF THE BROMLEY-HEATH COMMUNITY PATROL'S EVOLUTION FROM A VOLUNTARY SERVICE PATROL TO A SIX-DAY PER WEEK, TWO-SHIFT UNIFORMED OPERATION WITH PAID COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERS WHO PATROL TWO LOW-INCOME HOUSING PROJECTS.
Abstract
UNLIKE MANY OTHER SUCH PROGRAMS, THE BROMLEY-HEATH PATROL IS FUNDED BY A POVERTY AGENCY. IT NOW PERFORMS PRIMARILY A WATCHMAN FUNCTION, BUT IS MOVING TOWARD A STANCE OF PROVIDING MORE SOCIAL SERVICES. PROGRAM EMPHASIS IS ON DELIVERING SECURITY SERVICES TO THE TWO PROJECTS, HOWEVER, IT SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED AS BEING A STEP TOWARDS A LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER IN THAT IT PROVIDES FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT AND ON-GOING TRAINING FOR THE 20 BROMLEY-HEATH RESIDENTS WHO COMPRISE THE FORCE. THIS REPORT OUTLINES THE PATROL'S ORGANIZATION, OPERATIONS, RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING. IT ALSO EXPLAINS THE PROGRAM'S SUCCESS IN TERMS OF SERVICE TO THE RESIDENTS, APPROVAL OF BOTH THE TENANTS AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND ACCEPTANCE BY THE BOSTON POLICE. RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE FOR INCREASING THE PATROL'S EFFECTIVENESS AND AUTHORITY AND FOR GIVING IT GREATER INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTH. FOR A FIRST YEAR EVALUATION SEE NCJ-16394.