POLICY
The Borough of East Stroudsburg Police Department has determined that the Community Policing philosophy serves the needs of the citizens of the Borough. This philosophy is predicated upon the creation of partnerships with the community to prevent crime. The Department endorses the Neighborhood Patrol Program as a means of gaining the assistance of citizens and to provide a mechanism for citizens to take an active part in crime prevention efforts within the neighborhood where they live. This program, by becoming the eyes and ears of the police department, will become an integral part of the effort to suppress crime and improve the quality of life in our Borough. The function of the Neighborhood Patrol is to observe and report suspicious circumstances and criminal violations within their area of patrol. Neighborhood Patrol members have NO LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY OR POWERS.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the operation of Neighborhood Patrols. ORGANIZATION
1. The Neighborhood Patrol will be comprised of volunteers who wish to avail themselves of this program in an attempt to reduce criminal activity and improve the quality of life within their neighborhoods.
2. Supervision of the Neighborhood Patrol shall be the responsibility of the Lieutenant of
Operations who shall serve as liaison officer.
RULES OF CONDUCT
1. You are a citizen volunteer. It is illegal to represent yourself as a police officer.
1a. Volunteer watchers should call the non-emergency numbers 570-424-2400 (Control Center) or 570-421-5507 (East Stroudsburg Police Dept.) to report that you are going on watch.
2. Confrontation, questioning, and detention are police functions and must be left to sworn police officers.
3. As a citizen volunteer, you are encouraged to greet the public and talk with them in a friendly and helpful way. Help them if they need assistance and explain your role as a volunteer. You are encouraged to pass on crime prevention information.
4. If you or others are at risk, back away from the situation and summon police.
5. Stay in public view while on patrol. This ensures you will not be at risk in situations where someone could cause you harm.
6. Avoid inappropriate gestures, comments, and conversations.
7. Your job, as a volunteer, is to observe and communicate. You are providing an invaluable service to the Borough of East Stroudsburg Police Department and your community.
8. NO WEAPONS OF ANY KIND will be carried while on patrol. This also applies to persons who may have a concealed weapon permit from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
9. No drugs or alcohol may be consumed prior to and during patrol.
10. Volunteers will not at any time chase, pursue or apprehend anyone.
11. THERE WILL BE AT LEAST TWO (2) VOLUNTEERS TOGETHER AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON PATROL.
12. Volunteers will not interfere in the actions of police officers.
13. Volunteers will not intervene in civil matters.
14. Volunteers will obey all instructions, orders or commands given to them by the Borough of East Stroudsburg Police Officer while participating in the program.
15. Vary your patrol routes. Talk with people. Show an interest in your community.
16. Always be aware of where you are and what is going on around you.
17. Record all helpful information and turn over to police.
18. If you come in contact with victims or witnesses, notify police and stay with them until a police officer arrives.
19. If you observe a crime in progress or one which has been committed, notify Borough of East Stroudsburg Police.
20. Volunteers patrolling on bicycles shall always stay
with their partner(s). At no time shall a volunteer on patrol on bicycle
go off alone.
21. Volunteers patrolling on bicycles shall obey all traffic laws and shall wear a bicycle helmet.
22. Bicycles used by volunteers on patrol shall meet all visibility and lighting requirements of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code.