Guardian Angels Safety Patrol
The Guardian Angels Organization
The Alliance of Guardian Angels, Inc. is a non-profit,
all-volunteer organization whose purpose is to fight crime and provide
positive real life role models for young people. Founded on Februrary
13, 1979 in New York City by Curtis Sliwa, with just 13 members, the
Guardian Angels now number over 5,000 members in 67 American,
Canadian and Mexican cities.
Curtis, along with regional coordinators, organize groups throughout
the country wherever there is a call for help. Chapters are only
started at the invitation of local residents, community, church or
business groups and, occasionally, public officials.
Not all Guardian Angels are young people in jeans and sneakers and
not all chapters are in inner city areas. Most of our people are
working or going to school during the day and participate in Guardian
Angels activities in the evenings and on the weekends, on the average
8 to 10 hours per week. We even have chapters on college campuses.
While the minimum age for becoming a Guardian Angel is 16, there is no
maximum. Our oldest member recently celebrated his 80th birthday!
What We Do
We are effective as visual deterrents to crime because we will not
hesitate to make a citizen's arrest when we see a crime being
committed. In our red berets and t-shirts, we have become familiar
sights on mass transit system,s in shopping mall parking lots, at rock
concerts, and in drug-infested public parks and streets.
In addition to our patrols, we provide other volunteer services to
the community. We have escort programs for senior citizens and the
handicapped so they can participate fully in activities without the
fear or crime. We give self-defense demonstrations and provide
speakers to various organizations and schools so that they can become
better acquainted with our program and our no-weapons no-drugs
philosophy. In some cities, we have Junior Guardian Angels programs
and distribute food to the hungry and homeless.
Since Guardian Angels are local residents of the areas they patrol,
we also participate in many special community events such as parades,
festivals, and marches. At times of extreme emergencies, such as the
Atlanta child murders or Mexico City earthquake, we respond with help
immediately.
Dealing With the Drug Plague
Increasingly, we are being called upon by frustrated residents and
small business owners to assist them in reclaiming their streets from
the drug dealers. We have mounted major anti-drug and crackdown-on-
crack campaigns in Los Angeles, West Palm Beach, Florida and 42nd
Street/Times Square in New York.
Our war against drugs is not limited to the streets. Throughout
the country, in small rural towns and large cities, we send speakers
to elementary, junior high, and high schools to talk realistically
with students about drugs.
Becoming a Guardian Angel
To become a Guardian Angel, you must be at least 16 years of age,
have no serious criminal record, and be working or going to school.
If you are not working and are out of school, you must be able to
demonstrate how you support yourself. After being screened, you must
complete a 3-month training program that usually requires 10 hours per
week. You do not need to be Bruce Lee or his sister in order to
qualify. We look more for the proper attitude of dedication than big
biceps.
After physical training in self-defense, first aid/CPR, the penal
code, making a citizen's arrest, and patrol techniques, members are
required to contribute a minimum of 2 patrols each week (approximately
8 hours). Since Guardian Angels do not carry weapons, each member is
searched before going on patrol for drugs, drug paraphernalia, and
weapons. Possession of any of these items means immediate dismissal.
Financial Support
The Alliance of Guardian Angels, Inc. is a tax-exempt non-profit
organization. We do not receive funds from the government or big
corporations or foundations. We depend upon individuals who make
tax-deductible contributions to help us cover our operating expenses
and in kind donations of headquarters space, training facilities and
printing. No one in our group is paid a salary so every dollar you
give goes directly towards getting Guardian Angels out where they
belong -- on your streets!
We Dare to Care
Since our beginning, we have helped many thousands of people. Our
unarmed patrols have made over 800 citizens' arrests and our very
presence has deterred countless others. We have demonstrated that
people of all races and ethnic groups can work together to improve
our communities for everyone. Our diverse membership, in which women
play the same role as men, continues to be living proof of our motto:
WE DARE TO CARE! Won't you?
For More Information
To join or start a chapter:
Due to the volume of calls we receive, you can get a fast response
from us by sending us a note with your name, address, telephone
number, the best time to reach you, and the closest large city near to
you. If possible, enclose a self-addressed, stamped-envelope.
Contact:
Mr. Curtis Sliwa
Guardian Angels
982 East 89th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11236
(718) 649-2607
