In response to a rash of robberies, members of the Grand Lake neighborhood crime prevention council invited the Guardian Angels to patrol streets in the district. The unarmed Angels, who wear bright red berets and windbreakers, typically provide a visible presence in neighborhoods with crime problems, intervene in crime situations by making citizen’s arrests, and get residents more involved in safety issues.

The Angels are willing to expand the program into other neighborhoods, and would look to Oakland residents to patrol their communities. Volunteers who wish to join patrols will undergo a three-month training with the San Francisco chapter of the Guardian Angels.

Some people believe that crime would be better fought by putting more eyes on the street--that creating regular neighborhood activities focusing everyone's attention outside would be more effective than a few volunteer patrols. Some feel the Guardian Angels are a provocative presence. Some business owners and citizens think that inviting in the Angels sends a message that Oakland is unsafe and full of crime, an image that the city has fought hard to overcome. 

As an Oakland resident and a director on the Kitchen Democracy board, I would like to know what you think. Should Oakland invite, endorse and encourage residents to volunteer for the Guardian Angels?