Detroit Clergymen Walk Streets To Prevent Crime
DETROIT (WWJ) - About 30 Detroit pastors have agreed to take to the streets to help prevent night crimes in their city.
Participants in the "Detroit Night Walks" program will work with Detroit Police and lead members of their congregation through the streets of Detroit, keeping an eye out for danger.
Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee said the program is similar to an action that has been enforced in Boston for at least 20 years.
"There are best practices from across the country where communities as challenged as Detroit have brought about significant change relative to the violence," he said.
Board of Police Commissioner Reverend James Warfield said the groundbreaking program has gathered a powerful group.
"Chief Godbee will be the first to tell all of us that he needs our eyes," Warfield said. "He also needs our ears and the community to help prevent crime."
The walkers will receive training before they begin their nightly rounds, and have been told to speak with people they encounter without evangelizing.
