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They're the ultimate neighborhood watch.
The faith based organization, Parishioners on Patrol, is growing at a record pace… and it's sure to be a model for other neighborhoods across the nation.
NBC 25 catches up with the groups’ progress and efforts to move Mid-Michigan Forward.
“How do we engage the community to take back the mmunity in a sense of having ownership," asks Saginaw City Councilman Amos O’Neal.
That's a question parishioners on patrol are quickly answering. The group of pastors, concerned citizens, and others haven't been on the job a year yet, but their eyes are all over the city of Saginaw.
”This movement has galvanized the citizenship in our community to say hey, ’this is our home this is our community and I'm not going anywhere so I'm going to stand up and take a position."
From cleaning up neighborhoods, to walking, talking and praying, to now partnering with police, P.O.P. is empowering neighborhoods and communities like never before.
"Citizens should call the police when things are in their neighborhood when things happen in their neighborhood and we've seen tremendous results already,” says Deputy Saginaw Police Chief Steve Martin.
In the summer, the Chief of Police reported violent crime is down, and the number of solved murders in the city is up. Not only were detectives praised, but the work of the parishioners is credited for getting the public to speak up. It's a trend the group hopes will only continue.
“With the proper help and the proper understanding of the people in the community I believe the city of Saginaw will be a very vibrant city in the future," says Board member Dennis Morrison.
Parishioners on Patrol are in high demand. Communities such as St. Paul's Town homes and Country way Apartment's actually requested P.O.P. open up shop in the community. These will be the second and third mini police station staffed by the group. The St. Paul’s office will open up Monday, the third on October 29th.
It's the latest development for the newly-formed organization. But only the beginning if you ask its members. “I’d like to see every neighborhood, block, house have a part with parishioners on patrol and the city of Saginaw,” says Morrison.
The added responsibilities for the group have it looking for more help. The 60-or so members are not enough. If you are interested in volunteering, call Parishioners on Patrol at 989.759.1220.
