"Keeping It Safe"
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Q:  Isn't the Guardian Angels a vigilante organization?

A.  No.  Vigilantes take the law into their own hands. Vigilantes operate as judge, jury, and executioner.  In contrast, we operate within the law.  We are a crime patrol organization that works closely with local law enforcement; for example, if we catch someone assaulting someone else, we may detain the perpetrator until the police arrive.  It's then in their hands. 

Q.  Do your members use violence against street criminals?

A.  We reserve the right to defend ourselves if such people attack us physically.  Our policy however is to use the least amount of force necessary to bring a confrontation to an end.  We are trained in self-defense techniques that minimize risk to those who choose to attack us.  And by the way, it is extremely rare for people to attack a Guardian Angels patrol.

Q.  Aren't you all from New York?

A.  No.  The Guardian Angels originated in New York and that is where we are headquartered.  But local Angels chapters consist largely of local residents who are trying to make their communities safe.  For example, in 2008 the Brockton chapter was started by Brockton residents, not activists from New York.

Q.  Do you carry weapons?

A.  No.  One of our slogans is:  "The best weapon you have is your mind."  Instead of carrying weapons to defend ourselves with, we generally train in self defense techniques at local martial arts studios.

Q. Can we call you to handle emergencies (e.g., break ins, assaults)?

A.  We do not have our own "911" line.  We encourage people to call 911 in these situations so the police, fire or medical rescue crews can respond.  However, if during a patrol we encounter a crime in progress, we contact local law enforcement ourselves.

Q.  What is it you do when you patrol the streets?

A.  A variety of things.  The main goal is to deter crime by posting up on certain street corners or other places were crimes are likely to be committed.  Thirty-two years of experience has shown that when a citizen crime patrol creates a presence on scene, criminals move on or cease their activities.  We also make the community safer by removing used drug needles from the ground (where a child can get ahold of them for instance), calling 911 if we find people in need of medical attention (we're also trained in CPR and First Aid).  Another thing we do is to act as positive role models for young people; sometimes we can convince them not to join gangs.

Q.  How can I join the Guardian Angels?

A.  Click here for more details on the process of joining.  We encourage people to join and get involved; after all, it's their communities that are affected by crime.

Q.  How can I learn more about the programs sponsored by the Guardian Angels?

A.  The best way to do this is to visit our national web site at www.guardianangels.org. Locally in Massachusetts, our web site is www.massguardianangels.org.