The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

With a group of volunteers called The Guardian Angels trying to establish a Toronto chapter and setting their sites on Ottawa for another, a lot of talk has been made about whether or not they should be welcomed, and whether or not their help is even needed. The Toronto mayor and police chief have no interest in bringing the Guardian Angels to their city. Should Ottawa act the same?

The Guardian Angels have been labeled as a vigilante group by some. But, this isn't the case at all. This is a volunteer group led by everyday people, businessmen, husbands, wives, mothers and fathers. They do not carry weapons. They do have first aid and self-defense training, but the main gist of their organization is to be another set of eyes and ears for the police force, having direct contact with them if they see any suspicious activity and to be on the lookout for wanted felons, and also providing a sense of security for those who have to walk home alone late at night.

Toronto's murder rate has skyrocketed recently. Can The Guardian Angels help with this? Maybe, maybe not. But why not give it a try?

Maybe the politicians feel there would be a public perception that crime & safety is so out of control they have to reach out to the Guardian Angels for help. But I think the public would instead appreciate any help they can get, especially those who feel they are in less than safe neighborhoods while police resources seem maxed out. Has there ever been a year where the police have proposed a reduced budget? Has any spokesperson for the police complained they have too many officers?

Ottawa isn't a city plagued by crime in my opinion. This isn't downtown Los Angeles or Detroit. But crime does exist, and any help should be welcomed. The Guardian Angels serve a total of 60 communities, they have been providing their service for over 25 years. They are well-organized and trained. They do not rely on taxpayer assistance; they are funded entirely through donations.

I say we welcome them with open arms.