Analysis: Town Watch And The Trayvon Martin Case
By Special Contributor Larry Kane
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The crime controversy of the year, the killing of a young man by a town watch volunteer, continues to stir emotions.
Sergeant Andrew Aninsman of the Bensalem Police Department says the Florida episode underscores the need for town watch volunteers to be communicators of possible trouble, not enforcers. And even if you're not a volunteer, if you see something suspicious, Aninsman says, dial it in.
"Make the call. If you're right or wrong, we're going to go out there and we're going to respond to the scene. If anything, it's a proactive approach. If you say something doesn't look right, go with what your gut tells you. Pick up the phone and call 9-1-1. That's what we're out there for."
Chief Rafael Munees and Corporal Dan Spataro where asked whether the incident has caused any concerns about what local town watch volunteers need to do in Washington Township, New Jersey.
"Certainly there are some concerns of where their limitations are and they have asked us those questions. But we haven't seen any limitations or any measurable differences in people that have wanted to volunteer or participate in this," Munees says.
Corporal Spataro is in agreement with his boss that the incident in Florida has not had a negative impact on local town watches.
"I concur with the chief absolutely nobody's walking out. In fact membership has actually increased."
Listen to extended interview:
