Car Patrol

Help Wanted: Car Patrol Drivers

Contact: Jason Helmlinger
carpatrol@historicginterpark.org or (804) 358.0188

What is the purpose of Car Patrol?
The car patrol attempts to reduce the incidence of crime in our neighborhood by making Ginter Park less attractive to criminals. This is done primarily in two ways.
1. By getting the flashing patrol light out on the street as often as possible, day and night.
2. By looking for and reporting suspicious individuals and vehicles, or situations that make us vulnerable to crime.
The chance of a patrol observing a crime being committed is slim. But, if our neighborhood is well patrolled, outsiders will think twice about coming here to commit a crime.

What is my patrol area?
There are two patrol routes:
1. north/south streets and alleys of Ginter Park Residents' Association
2. east/west streets and alleys of Ginter Park Residents' Association
The patrol lasts (no more than) two hours. During this time, the patrollers cover the areas of the neighborhood that are on the route. All patrols cover Chamberlayne Avenue and the “triangle” behind Ginter Park School.

Below are the eight areas to be patrolled.
1. West/East Seminary "U" -5000 blocks entered from Azalea
2. The rest of West and East Seminary
3. North of Union Theological Seminary to Seminary Place
4. South of Union Theological Seminaryto Brookland Park Blvd.
5. The "Triangle" behind Ginter Park School-formed by Chamberlayne, North & Laburnum
6. South of Laburnum to Brookland Park Blvd.-between Chamberlayne & Edgewood
7. Laburnum Park-Laburnum, Brook, Westwood, and Hermitage
8. Chamberlayne Avenue

Where is the equipment box and what equipment is used?
The equipment box is located at 3000 Seminary Ave. (Enter the driveway and drive to the backdoor of the building. The equipment box is located to the right of the backdoor, near the covered, columned pathway and the AC units. The equipment box holds the car patrol logbook ( containing all information available on Car Patrol), the car patrol light, a cell phone, and flashlights.

What is my patrol schedule?
Each patrol is scheduled for once a month. There are three shifts A (7am-12pm), B(12pm-5pm), C(5pm-10pm). You and your partner choose a day and shift that fit into your schedules. This becomes your shift every month. You and your partner patrol your route (taking 1 ½ to 2 hours) at any time during the five hours of your shift.

Who is my partner?
It is best if you can find your own partner, but one may be assigned to you. It may take longer for me to locate a partner for you.

How am I trained?
I have put together a car patrol volunteer packet to answer questions that may arise as new volunteers begin patrolling. Once you sign up for a shift, I will drop off your packet. I will also schedule police training sessions throughout the year and encourage you to attend at least one.

What if I need to reschedule my shift?
If patrols don’t go out, we don’t have a car patrol. Understandably, situations arise preventing you from patrolling on your scheduled shift. However, you are asked to reschedule your shift to another open shift on the calendar. Just call or email me to let me know of the change. There may be times that when it is impossible to reschedule, but I am asking for a good-faith effort on your part.

Is it necessary to get the equipment each time I patrol?
Yes! Without the flashing light and signs, others will not know you are patrolling. This defeats the purpose of car patrol. We desperately need car patrollers! Please consider volunteering to make Ginter Park, your neighborhood, a safer place. Please thank your neighbors who are already driving!
Thank you!