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Citizen Involvement as a Crime Deterrent - A Study of Public Attitudes Toward an Unsanctioned Civilian Patrol Group

NCJ Number
90019
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 11 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1983) Pages: 185-193
Author(s)
B B Ostrowe; R DiBiase
Date Published
1983
Length
9 pages
Annotation
An opinion survey found that civilians generally supported the work of the Guardian Angels, a group of youths who voluntarily patrol New York's parks, subways, and streets, while the police viewed the group negatively.
Abstract
Three groups of subjects were surveyed to determine their opinions about the Guardian Angels: (1) 67 civilians, (2) 30 transit authority police officers, and (3) 86 New York City police officers. The civilians were randomly selected from the Manhattan business area. The transit police surveyed worked out of the Columbus Circle District, and the New York City police were randomly selected from a group representing every command in the city. Seventy-five percent of the civilians favor the actions of the Guardian Angels, and 61 percent wish the group was larger. Civilians, however, had some reservations about the group's motives. Only 22 percent of the civilians considered the group idealistic and heroic, and less than half of the civilians felt that the group should be allowed free entry into the subways. There are thus some indications that the police mistrusts a group unsanctioned by law enforcement authorities. Forty-three percent of the transit and 52 percent of the New York City police oppose the actions of the Guardian Angels. Both groups strongly believe that only armed, professional police should fight crime. Tabular and graphic data along with eight references are provided.

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