ABC27 WHTM Citizen patrols hoping to curb violent crime in midtown Harrisburg

Citizen patrols hoping to curb violent crime in midtown Harrisburg

The Friends of Midtown foot patrol is a volunteer group of citizens who have taken to the streets of Harrisburg to take back their neighborhood. Armed with just bright orange vests and flashlights, they said their presence is making a difference.

From Forster to Maclay Streets, they can be seen on the side streets and in the alleys, patrolling their neighborhood.

"We just walk the streets," said Don Barnett, President of Friends of Midtown.  "There is no set path, it's just random. You never know when we are going to show up."

The group is trying to reduce crime by providing a visible presence.

"We're trying to raise awareness," said Ryan Stark, who volunteers to walk the streets.  "We're trying to do something about it. You can despair about the problems of the city right now, but you can actually get out there and do something about it, and I think that's what this group is doing."

Trained by Harrisburg Police and endorsed by the city, the volunteers report suspicious activity and work to promote neighborhood awareness.

"It's very important, especially in high crime neighborhoods, that people take ownership and come out and defend those neighborhoods," said Bob Philbin, City Spokesman.

Officials said people should not be so worried about the recent reports of crime.

"Citizens shouldn't be overly reacting to the latest rash of crimes. It is August, it is the summertime. We do have these types of crimes, it's just that they are happening one right after another," Philbin said.

Virgil Barbour has lived on Susquehanna Street for 20 years.  He respects the work of the foot patrol, but thinks it reflects negatively on the city.

"I think they are doing the job that the city should be doing, patrolling the streets of Harrisburg," Barbour said.  "I don't think it's their responsibility."

City officials tell abc27 that the bulk of crimes are solved with citizen participation, so they welcome the added help.

Friends of Midtown are always looking for more help.  If you would like to volunteer, you can check out their website, www.friendsofmidtown.org.