The Alliance of Guardian Angels is an international public safety organization that conducts workshops, trainings, and street patrols to reduce criminal activity. Founded in 1979 by Curtis Sliwa, the organization promotes citizen engagement and inclusivity. They also have a CyberAngels division that deals with cyberbullying. Guardian Angels wear distinctive red berets and white shirts or red jackets while on patrol. Their presence has been known to lower crime rates in communities.
The Alliance of Guardian Angels is an international public safety organization that promotes citizen engagement in public safety issues in major cities around the world. The organization conducts workshops and trainings in vulnerable communities and members lead street patrols designed to reduce the level of criminal activity. In some regions, guardian angels have been seen as controversial, with civic leaders against the establishment of guardian angel chapters in their areas. Other civic leaders approved of the organization’s presence.
Curtis Sliwa founded the organization in 1979 in New York City during a marked increase in crime. Members of the Guardian Angels Alliance began by sending pairs of Guardian Angels to walk “in rhythm” throughout the city, making the presence of the organization known on the streets and in the subways. Guardian Angels initially promoted citizen arrests and now more generally focus on increasing public safety by making community volunteers highly visible to deter criminals.
Before guardian angels can pace walk, they receive training in dealing with law enforcement, de-escalation, communicating, working in diverse communities, and self-defense. The organization prides itself on being highly inclusive – anyone over 16 can join Guardian Angels and the group promotes diversity. While on patrol, Guardian Angels wear distinctive red berets and white shirts or red jackets that feature the organization’s logo. Volunteers always work in pairs for safety reasons.
In addition to offering community-based initiatives, the Alliance of Guardian Angels also has a CyberAngels division, which deals with cyberbullying and other illegal online activities. The group conducts workshops in schools and communities to address online safety issues and actively works with similar organizations to offer cyberbullying courses and related materials to teachers. CyberAngels dates back to 1995, reflecting the organization’s initial interest in protecting Internet users, especially children.
Sometimes, the presence of these unarmed security patrollers is all it takes to lower the crime rate in a community. Guardian angels have also sent out to specific communities in need, responding to violence or public safety issues when they flare up. The Alliance of Guardian Angels is one of many public safety organizations promoting the idea that members of the public can and should be involved in safety initiatives and that the best way to ensure safety is the use of a large number of volunteers and a no-tolerance policy for crime.
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