Civilian patrols branch out, though poll finds opposition

[struggle4progress]

By ELLIOT SPAGAT
Associated Press Writer

October 01, 2005

<snip> Civilian patrols are opposed by 56 percent of Californians but supported by a majority of Republicans and people at least 65 years old, according to a recent Field Poll. Support was weak in Los Angeles and San Francisco and among Hispanics and people under 40. The telephone survey of 426 registered voters Aug. 19-29 had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points. <snip>

A small group of protesters, who camped in tents, closely followed and frequently taunted the patrollers.

"When we have two very diverse groups, very polarized and highly emotional, running around, many of them carrying guns, obviously we're going to have to be there," said San Diego Sheriff's Lt. Bill Hogue.

He added: "I don't know how you'd feel about a bunch of people running around your neighborhood with guns but it makes some people uneasy." <snip>

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051001/APN/510010719&cachetime=3&template=dateline

[ManiacJoe]

1. There is something to be said for

unpaid volunteers helping the Border Patrol.

[struggle4progress]

2. It's an interestin idea. What would ya think about armed "volunteers" ..

.. helpin out the local cops or the secret service?

[ManiacJoe]

3. Works for me.

Neighborhood watch programs have been around for years, as have concealed carry permits. Both seem to work quite well.

[struggle4progress]

4. I ain't talkin about "neighborhood watch" programs. eom

[ManiacJoe]

5. I know.

But that would be the accurate analogy for what was happening at the border.

What are you envisioning as "helping"?

[Thirtieschild]

6. There is an alternative

Many law enforcement agencies have reserve programs that require training to various degrees. Georgia requires anyone who carries a gun for a law enforcement agency to be POST-certified, i.e., go through the same academy that full-time officers must complete. New Mexico, where I live now, leaves the degree of training up to the individual agency.

Armed, unsupervised civilian patrols amount to vigilante groups. If all their members are reasonable, well-intentioned people, then they're probably fine. However, people bearing grudges or having disputes with their neighbors can quickly turn things ugly. Think about it -- you've probably got someone in your immediate community you feel is not too tightly wrapped. He may legally own firearms, but do you want him prowling around with them at night, no training, no supervision, just his own views of right and wrong?

Given the state of California's view of firearms in civilian hands, I'm surprised this is happening at all.

--Mr. Disorganized