Read more: Local, Crime, Community
Crime is down in the city of Saginaw and city officials say Parishioners on Patrol and other similar groups had a lot to do with it.
Since February of 2007 Parishioners on Patrol have taken to the streets preaching and praying to those living the life of crime. This month the group will open up two more offices, one in the Country Way Apartments off M-13 and St. Paul Townhouses off Wshington Street. Parishioners will take crime reports at the offices and will also patrol the area.
"This has never happened before in the City of Saginaw in terms of getting citizens to man locations to act as a deterrent to crime and violence," said Coucilman Amos O'Neal Thursday night.
Parishioners on Patrol's Rev. Larry Camel told NBC 25 News"there's a new energy, a new attitude in the City of saginaw that there is hope for our community." Pastor Camel says he like to open similar offices throughout the city not only as a crimewatch offic but as recreation center for Saginaw's youth.
The Saginaw Police Deptartment is donating phones and fax machines to parishioners on patrol. The offices will open later this month.
