CASTRO COMMUNITY ON PATROL

Description

Castro Community On Patrol (CCOP) was formed in 2006 in response to violent physical assaults against Gay men in the Castro neighborhood. CCOP forged partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, businesses, and other community organization, forming a walking safety patrol (similar to a neighborhood watch but we pound the streets rather than peeking out from behind curtains.) By patrolling in bright and visible safety vests, we are able to interact with residents, employees. door staff at bars and clubs, and visitors to provide safety information, guidance, and to call on emergency responders when the need arises. These collaborations are instrumental in enhancing the effectiveness of our safety patrols and addressing broader issues such as establishing a Business Watch Program, encouraging the installation of surveillance cameras, distributing thousands of FREE safety whistles, developing numerous safety posters and efforts, delivering self-defense and other safety training including Active Shooter, and liaising with local, State, and Federal government individuals and entities to raise LGBTQ+ community safety concerns.