By Larry Compton and Matt Johnson
Greetings from the Candler Park/Lake Claire Patrol. The Patrol is a service provided to Candler Park and Lake Claire by its members and businesses in the neighborhood. Currently, we have four off duty Atlanta police officers from our own Zone 6 precinct who patrol at varied times throughout the week. At our last status meeting with our APD liaison we learned that the patrol has been effective as shown by the lower crime rates for our neighborhoods. The good news is, the patrol is working. The bad news is, through the past seven years of operation, there have been significant cost increases and attrition in membership. All of this is creating budgetary issues.
The patrol needs an influx of new members, or we will need to reduce patrols. If you are not a member, please join the CPLC Patrol and help support increased safety in the neighborhood. Membership is voluntary but is a great resource for the community as a whole and ensures we have police presence in the neighborhood.
To answer a couple common questions about the patrol:
I already pay taxes for police services, why should I join the Patrol?
APD usually assigns one officer to each beat. When something occurs in another beat and officers need backup, officers are dispatched to the scene from other areas in Zone 6. The CPLC Patrol officer is off-duty, but dressed in uniform, with a radio BUT does not respond to events outside of our neighborhood.
Can I call the CPLC Patrol instead of 911?
NO. Always call 911 (or the local police precinct) to report an emergency, crime, or obtain police services. The CPLC Patrol Officer, if on duty, will hear the radio call and will respond in coordination with the on-duty officer(s).
What does the officer on patrol do?
The officer drives the CPLC Patrol vehicle, currently a gold Honda CRV with an amber flashing light, around the neighborhood. They will check on member homes who have informed the patrol of a vacation or absence from their home. They will report any suspicious behavior or crimes in progress to APD directly and respond in coordination with on-duty APD officers.
The officers are NOT performing random stops and searches of citizens in the neighborhood.
Can a business join?
The patrol offers businesses the opportunity to sponsor. Please email cplcpatrol@gmail.com with your interest.
The CPLC Patrol serves everyone but is only funded by its members and membership has fallen off in recent years. Everyone is benefiting from this valuable service. Again, please consider supporting the Patrol financially by becoming a member. You can do so at CPLC Patrol.
Thank You, The CPLC Patrol Board (a group of volunteer neighbors)
Larry Compton is the CPNO’s safety officer. Matt Johnson is on the CPLC Patrol Board. Both are long time residents of Candler Park.