[LearsFool]

We never went out on patrols without magneticized signs on the car to clearly identify NW.

I'd prefer no signs. But then again I'd prefer there were no need for them (i.e. everybody in the neighborhood knows everybody else, and that they're all watching out for one another anyway.)

But given the fact that most of us don't know - let alone trust - our neighbors, NW should either have clear identification or be clearly non-confrontational to those in their neighborhood. Or both.

NW is not intended to be governmental authority, after all (is it?) - citizen's arrest powers notwithstanding.

[EDINVA]

We had very clear guidelines about calling police if there were an questions. We were NOT to take action ourselves.

Our patrols included 3 separate subdivisions in one citizens association, over 600 homes, with all age groups. Kids even went to different schools till high school and belonged to different community pools. There was no cohesion whatsoever. Then, again, the worst crimes were either papering trees or removing stop signs around high school graduation time. Otherwise, it was delightfully boring.