Guardian Angels on patrol in New Haven: wtnh.com
New Haven, Conn. (WTNH) - In response to New Haven's police layoffs, the Guardian Angels are hitting the streets and say they'll be stepping up patrols for the next three months.
A sign hangs on a telephone poll along Whalley Avenue -- anyone interested in joining the ranks of the Guardian Angels is welcome.
News 8 was with Angels as they hit the streets last night, bringing in reinforcements from Hartford, Norwalk, Boston and New York. The founder, Curtis Sliwa, spoke to our Bob Wilson.
"How are you greeted by the people here?"
"Oh, for the most part, people are high-fiving us, they appreciate the fact that we're making the effort here to make them feel safer, even with less police, but then you'll get the homeboys on the corner flipping us the bird which makes me feel welcome because then I know we're having an impact," Sliwa said.
The Guardian Angels have had a chapter in New Haven since 2007, but decided to beef up their patrols after the city decided to lay off 16 police officers last week. The night the layoffs were announced, there was a double shooting at a Dunkin' Donuts on Derby Avenue. Click here to read more about the police layoffs.
News 8 got reaction from residents in the area, a hot spot for months. Most said they appreciate any and all help here, but it's a Band-Aid, at best.
"I mean, from a standpoint from, more people on the streets that helps the city that would be nice, there's a lot of things that go on around here that shouldn't be," said Michael Addison of New Haven.
"I just seen 'em yesterday but you won't need the Guardian Angels or the police if you put the discipline back in the house," said Wally Shabazz of New Haven.
And because the Guardian Angels do not carry weapons, many say they are simply not an adequate replacement for police officers.
"They not bulletproof, that's what it is, shooting. They gonna wear bullet-proof jackets and helmets it may work," said Shabazz.
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