Citizen patrols are part of a movement toward the use of informal mechanisms of social control. Various forms of citizen patrols have been operating in the United States for some time. The movement in recent years should be seen in terms of an ever-widening system of control. To date, most civilian patrols have been extensions of regular police patrols controlled and sanctioned by the police. These patrols tend to enhance the status of the police and legitimate existing police practices. A further problem is that studies of increased police patrols have either shown them to have no effect or to have had mixed results. Thus, the effect of citizen patrols in reducing crime remains unproven. Although patrols may not be effective, considerable value exists in having people participate in a common effort to deal with crime problems. However, the organization and strategy used are crucial. Community crime prevention should be based in a community organization that supports many activities designed to prevent crime and address other community problems. Citizen patrols are but one aspect of such efforts. Notes and a list of 29 references are supplied.