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Citizen Patrol Volunteers Keep Eyes Open For Crime

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By ANGELA DELGADO | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 2, 2007

WESTCHASE - One day, in the not so distant future, Rubel Melendez may carry a service weapon, write a speeding ticket and handcuff a wanted felon.

But today, he is assisting the deputies he longs to join as a member of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Volunteer Citizen Patrol Program.

The program - which welcomed 16 new graduates in September and now has 39 volunteers - was implemented in March and trains citizens to respond to non-emergency and routine calls.

Volunteers were first assigned to Apollo Beach and Westchase because these communities have high levels of property crimes but low levels of violent crimes, said Deputy Faith Nadel, volunteer program coordinator.

The volunteers' duties are to assist, but not put themselves in danger. They receive uniforms, use hand-held radios that keep them in contact with dispatchers and deputies, and make their rounds in patrol cars that are marked and equipped similar to deputy cruisers.

Since its inception, crime has dropped 38 percent in Apollo Beach and 18 percent in Westchase, said Sheriff's Maj. Albert Frost.

Patrol Grew From Freedom Corps
Hillsborough County's citizen patrol program grew out of the Freedom Corps after the Sept. 11 attacks. Hillsborough County Chief Deputy Jose Docobo learned more about the program from the Citrus County Sheriff's Office.

"Sheriff [David] Gee looked at it as an opportunity to create a sense of ownership for their neighborhoods," Docobo said. "It's beyond what neighborhood watch was intended to do. This allows them to interact with our patrol deputies on a continual basis."

Last week, Melendez, 24, and fellow volunteer Ariel Quintela, 49, worked the 6 a.m. to noon shift in Westchase, an upscale community in northwest Hillsborough County. Melendez, one of the first graduates of the program, was mentoring Quintela, a recent graduate.

Melendez and Quintela maneuvered around Westchase in their patrol cruiser. While the pair drove throughout the community, they kept their eyes open for anything ranging from suspicious vehicles to babies left alone in cars.

By 10 a.m., they had checked three schools and five parks and helped a disabled motorist.

"For the most part, we're more of a presence," said Melendez of New Tampa. "It's a deterrent; it lowers the possibility of any crime happening."

The pair, along with the other 37 volunteers, underwent 50 hours of training to learn how to assist with school crossings and document graffiti to see whether it is gang-related, and assist with directing traffic and disabled motorists.

"The reception by our deputies to these citizen volunteers has been absolutely overwhelming," Docobo said. "In many instances, they're a godsend. They help with traffic control at traffic crashes, [they do] a lot of mundane tasks that law enforcement offices many otherwise be tasked with."

Once they graduate, the sheriff's office requires volunteers to dedicate at least six hours a month to patrolling.

"It lends itself to people wanting to volunteer," said Quintela, an Odessa resident who works as a home builder. "You create your own schedule. It's really flexible."

Melendez, who will earn his associate degree in law enforcement from Southwest Florida College in December, learned about Citizen Patrol when he was participating in another sheriff's office program: Citizen's Academy. That program also gives community members the opportunity to get hands-on experience with police duties.

"I'm using this like a stepping stone towards law enforcement," Melendez said. "It's helping me better understand this is what I want to do. I get a greater insight on what they go through every day."

Program Attracts Many
The program has attracted people from all walks of life: young and old, workers and retirees, mothers, fathers and grandparents. Although they are assigned to patrol certain areas in the county, residents from Wimauma, Town 'N Country, Plant City and the University Area, the community west of the University of South Florida, have signed up to volunteer.

Soon, the Citizen Patrol will expand to new areas of the county. The sheriff's office is communicating with residents of Twelve Oaks and Bay Crest Park, both in Town 'N Country, to bring the program to those neighborhoods. Docobo said residents in Bloomingdale also have expressed interest.

Communities don't have to meet a crime level to participate, Nadel said. All that is required is interest and commitment to the program.

"Let's just say I can't wait for it to expand," Melendez said. "It's really needed in other areas. It's a great tool. It relieves deputies of non-essential [duties]. We're taking their spots; we're helping them out so they can go out to other calls. They don't have enough [deputies] out there."

Docobo said he also looks forward to the expansion.

"I think as word spreads and people see the value in it, our goal will hopefully be realized to have these patrols throughout the county," he said.

Jennifer McGregor and Sheila Scott, both of Odessa, and Kelly Peabody of Lutz see the value in the program. The stay-at-home moms were visiting Baybridge Park with their children when Melendez and Quintela approached during their rounds and informed them about Citizen Patrol.

"It's awesome," Scott said. "Although I don't live in Westchase, I think 'good for these people.'"

"It's another set of eyes that might deter some of the younger kids from getting into a little bit of trouble," Peabody added."

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
•U.S. citizen

•19 years of age or older

•Must have a valid driver's license

•Must pass a screening test

•Must complete 50 hours of training

•Must attend monthly meetings

•Must volunteer at least six hours a month

For information or to participate in the program, call Deputy Faith Nadel at (813) 247-0944.

Reporter Angela Delgado can be reached at (813) 865-1501 or adelgado@tampatrib.com.

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