Just curious as to why someone who wants to watch over their neighborhood has to suspend their personal rights in order to do so?
Is this some kind of law or just your opinion?
This is Crime Stoppers policy and HOA policy. The law violated was Stand Your Ground not Move That Ground.
Wendy Dorival is Sanford’s volunteer coordinator for the Police Department. She helped train Zimmerman. She stated that those involved in neighborhood-watch programs are supposed to be “the eyes and ears” for the police, “not a vigilante.” Specifically, she said, members “are not supposed to confront anyone. We get paid to get into harm’s way. You don’t do that. You just call them from the safety of your home or your vehicle.” She added that carrying and using a gun on patrol violates protocols.
Furthermore, the National Sheriffs’ Association, which sponsors the neighborhood-watch program nationwide, is 100% clear in its manual on this point as well: “Patrol members do not carry weapons,” have no police power, and should “not attempt to apprehend a person committing a crime or to investigate a suspicious activity.” Lastly, not following the guidelines can result in serious consequences: “Each member is liable as an individual for civil and criminal charges should he exceed his authority.”