THE GUARDIAN ANGELS
by Bill Lynn, Fifth Ward Alderman

I Want to Make Davenport Safer
I am proud to have instituted a program to help combat crime by creating the Davenport Chapter of the Guardian Angels. 

About one year ago I announced I would invite the Guardian Angels to Davenport to make a presentation.  In March, 2007, they arrived.  We did several demonstration patrols and held two public meetings.  The community’s response was overwhelming.  We had over 100 people at our Saturday afternoon meeting. 

Normally Sliwa’s team waits three months to start training in a community, but because of the overwhelming response in Davenport, they started training in two weeks. 

What Are the Angels?
The Guardian Angels were founded 27 years ago in New York City.  New York was one of the most crime ridden cities in the U.S.  The Guardian Angels were founded by Curtis Sliwa.  Sliwa saw the impact of crime and he worked in one of the worst parts of the city.  He learned from his early experiences and formed the Guardian Angels that is now an international organization.  There are over 90 chapters in the United States. 

Guardian Angel Training
The training takes about three months.  It includes training on how to patrol, legal aspects of citizen arrest, first aid, and self defense (the Angels patrol unarmed).  This training is done by experienced Angels from Sliwa’s organization—some have been Angels for nearly 20 years.    

We started with 45 volunteers, but many found the training too difficult or decided they did not have the time.  In July we graduated about 20 Guardian Angels.  This graduation means we can now do our own training with our own trainers on our schedule. 

Davenport’s Angels at Work
The Davenport Guardian Angels currently patrol in the downtown area, but plan on spreading to other neighborhoods.  They have made over 10 arrests, broken up several fights, and interrupted many drug deals. Our Angels are men and women ranging from ages 18 to 62. 

We are the first chapter in Iowa, and since the inception of our chapter several other cities have shown an interest, although none has been as successful as the Davenport Chapter.. 

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE GUARDIAN ANGELS,
please contact me (320-3675).