In the wake of Trayvon Martin’s death and George Zimmerman’s acquittal, the city of Sanford, Florida announced that they would prohibit Neighborhood Watch volunteers from carrying guns.
Now, police Chief Cecil Smith is softening his stance, saying that officers are strongly discouraging it, not banning them.
“We’re recommending that no one is armed,” police Chief Cecil Smith told a group of about 100 people gathered at City Hall on Tuesday night to learn about the Neighborhood Watch program.
“It’s about communications. It’s not about firearms.”
In short, Neighborhood Watch volunteers won’t be banned from carrying handguns, as previously announced. But participants of Citizens on Patrol, a program run by the Police Department, will be.
When Smith became chief seven months ago, his goal was to revamp both programs and set policies that would absolve police of any liability should volunteers use a gun as part of their duties.
“Neighborhood Watch was never meant for people to carry guns,” Smith said during the news conference. “It does not have a patrol function in the city of Sanford.”
As liaisons between residents and police, Smith said, block captains’ main objective is to encourage neighborly conduct and concern for one another.
“If you choose to have a firearm, that’s your right,” he added.
But he urged people never to confront a possible criminal. Call the police instead, he said.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, concealed-weapons permit holders will not be disqualified from volunteering. However, they will have to sign waivers relieving police of any responsibility should the firearm be used.
The rule will remain unwritten, but Smith said his officers will emphasize to Neighborhood Watch block captains that they are “communication vessels” who observe, identify and report suspicious activity.
“Do not intercede or pursue,” Smith said, invoking one of the central controversies surrounding Trayvon’s shooting.
Looks like this information came a little too late.
SOURCE: Orlando Sentinel | PHOTO CREDIT: George Zimmerman
