NCJ Number
194807
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 50 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2002 Pages: 42,44-45,46
Date Published
2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article presents a description of the community volunteer, Sun City Center Security Patrol in Hillsborough County Florida and its contribution in the reduction of crime within the county.
Abstract
In 1981, the Sun City Center Security Patrol was established in Hillsborough County Florida to aid in lowering the crime rate in a 16,000 resident retirement community. This community volunteer patrol was created to handle minor calls that take time away from police officers whose time needs to be directed towards the investigation of more serious crimes. Patrol volunteers are trained to watch, listen, and report and to never put their lives at risk. It is organized as a 501(C)(3) non-profit group overseen by a nine member elected board of directors. The patrol is in operation 365 days a year. Funding for the patrol comes from donations and other resources. The five-vehicle fleet is equipped with a lightbar, a radio linked to the dispatch center, as well as other emergency equipment. The volunteer patrol currently has more than 1,450 volunteers patrolling the 16,000 resident retirement community. Program success has been based on the responsibility and resources being spread out reducing the demand on volunteers. The program has been credited with Sun City Center having the lowest crime rate in the county.