NCJ Number
57342
Date Published
1978
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS FILM EXAMINES THE WAYS POLICE DEPARTMENTS HAVE COOPERATED WITH LOCAL CITIZEN BAND (CB) RADIO OWNERS AND CLUBS TO ENCOURAGE PUBLIC VIGILANCE AND EFFECTIVE CITIZEN CRIME REPORTING.
Abstract
IN 1973, C.B. RADIOS GAINED WIDE POPULARITY WITH CITIZENS WHO WANTED TO ASSIST POLICE IN FIGHTING CRIME AND AS A RESULT CIVILIAN RADIO PATROL UNITS WERE FORMED IN MANY NEIGHBORHOODS. C.B. CLUB MEMBERS RELAY INFORMATION TO POLICE ON CRIMES OR OTHER POLICE-RELATED PROBLEMS THEY OBSERVE WHILE CRUISING SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOODS, COMMERCIAL AREAS, AND HIGHWAYS. TRAINED BY THE POLICE, THE C.B.'ERS ARE ALERT TO POTENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD TROUBLE SPOTS, CHARACTERISTICS OF VARIOUS AREAS, AND RELATED CONCERNS. MEMBERS ARE ALSO GIVEN DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THEIR EXACT ROLE IN POLICE ASSISTANCE. THEY ARE INSTRUCTED TO REMAIN AT A DISTANCE FROM ANY TROUBLESOME INCIDENT OR CRIME AND TO RADIO POLICE A DESCRIPTION OF WHAT IS HAPPENING AND THE ADDRESS, ADDING MORE INFORMATION AS THE INCIDENT PROGRESSES. THEY ARE TOLD NEVER TO RESPOND TO A POLICE CALL AND WARNED TO REMAIN UNINVOLVED. THE FILM ALSO DEPICTS DETAILS OF CLUB OPERATIONS, ALLOCATION OF ASSIGNMENTS TO MEMBERS, AND MEETINGS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT REPRESENTATIVES TO REVIEW PERFORMANCE AND BRIEF MEMBERS ON EVENTS GOING ON IN THEIR AREAS. (DAG)