TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Taking Safety To Heart

ADVERTISEMENT

By MICHELE SAGER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 27, 2008

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - When Humberto Coto recently hit the streets as the newest member of the volunteer Citizen Patrol, he was out to send a message.

Not only is Coto trying to make the Town 'N Country community safer by lending a hand to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, but he also wants to inspire others to get involved.

"I want to serve as an example to my children, and I hope I will show others that you can make time to be involved," he said.

Coto said if he can fit a patrol into his schedule, most people can. Coto spends the bulk of his day as the chief of cardiology at St. Joseph's Hospital.

The sheriff's Citizen Patrol program has about 70 volunteers countywide. Their job is to offer additional help on the streets, so deputies can handle more serious calls.
Pilot programs began in Westchase and Apollo Beach in March 2007. The Citizen Patrol expanded to Bloomingdale and recently to Town 'N Country.

The sheriff's office struggled to get the Town 'N Country patrol running. Only eight people attended the first workshop, and the program seemed dead. But the office held a second workshop, and that time 72 residents attended.

Deputy Lorraine Jordon said the Town 'N Country patrol still needs more volunteers.

"We're still trying to get the word out because we would really like to expand the program," she said.

The volunteers don't have the full authority of deputies and can't make arrests. But they can direct traffic, fill in as crossing guards and check on homes for vacationing residents.

They use the same radio network as sheriff's deputies, are supplied with a marked patrol car and can report suspicious activity immediately. Shifts vary from four to six hours. Volunteers are expected to participate in one surveillance slot a month.
Jordon said the program is making a difference, with reports showing felony property crime down in areas with patrols.

Donna Vetrano said she joined the patrol to help the community.

"It's important we get out there and help because the more eyes we have on the streets, the more it will deter crime," she said.

WANT TO JOIN?

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is seeking citizens for its existing patrols. To be eligible, candidates must be:

•Age 19 or older

•A U.S. citizen

•Carrying a valid driver's license

•In good health

•Willing to patrol at least six hours monthly

•Willing to submit to a background check

For information, call Deputy Lorraine Jordan at (813) 247-8223.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com.

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT