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These are some
common questions & answers which we hope will help you better
understand the Guardian Angels organization and it's members.
A selection of
questions not covered on this page may be found
here
Q: Who are the Guardian Angels?
A: The Guardian Angels
are a world-wide non-profit organization; in fact one of the oldest
volunteer safety organizations in the world! It began 29 years ago
in New York City and now spans more than 102 communities and 11
countries. Concerned citizens join and volunteer time and effort in
their own communities to promote safety through education and a
commitment to their families and neighbours.
The Guardian Angels are
accountable, as any citizen is, to Federal, Provincial, Municipal or
State Laws - no Guardian Angel has ever been convicted (criminally
or civilly) of any offence anywhere in the world.
Q: What do the Guardian Angels do?
A: The Guardian Angels
are most noted for their "Safety Patrols" - walking through
neighbourhoods in an organized patrol of at least six trained
members, keeping eyes and ears open for street crime. The purpose of
the Guardian Angels in every city where we work is twofold. Firstly
it is our aim to prevent violent street crime by being a visual and,
if necessary, physical deterrent. We do not carry weapons of any
kind. Secondly, we empower our members to be "role models for real
life" - by showing people members of their own peer group who come
from the same backgrounds and have the same problems, but who are
solving them in a constructive and non violent way.
Q: Who can become a Guardian Angel?
A: Membership is open to everyone
regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or national
origin. The following rules also apply:
-
Members must be at least 16
years of age. There is no upper age limit.
-
No applicant convicted of any
serious criminal offence (including, but not limited to,
homicide, armed robbery/assault, sexual offence, child/animal
abuse, break & enter with tools, arson) shall be considered for
membership. Applicants with minor, past or pending criminal
offences on their records may be considered (at the
organization's discretion) on an individual basis, considering
the severity of the crime, the date of offence, and applicant’s
present lifestyle. Chapter leaders must give written permission
before accepting any member with a previous criminal record and
it must be approved by the National Executive Council. If any
member is charged with a crime they will be suspended pending
the outcome of legal proceedings.
-
No person affiliated in any way
with any organization that supports or endorses hate crimes,
segregation or other forms of prejudice shall be considered.
Anyone found to be participating in these types of groups will
be removed immediately.
-
No person addicted to and/or
under the influence of alcohol or drugs shall be considered for
membership.
-
Before being accepted for
training all applicants will:
-
fill out and submit an
application form (name, age and address to be verified with
legal/photo ID)
Download Member Application
-
submit a Police Background
Check at their own expense**
-
be interviewed in person by
members of the National or Chapter leadership
-
have references and
information checked
Q: Are there other "rules" that Guardian
Angels must follow?
A:
First and foremost, the same laws that every other citizen must
abide by apply to us - we have no more rights than other Canadian
citizens. The following additional rules also apply:
-
Active or passive racism,
sexism, homophobia, or sexual harassment is not permitted.
-
Relationships among peers must
be conducted in a professional manner while volunteering with
the organization.
-
All members are required to
abide by the principles of the Guardian Angels whether in or out
of uniform.
-
Members may have their
membership revoked for any one of the following reasons:
-
excessive use of rude
language (swearing)
-
excessive absenteeism (being
unable to volunteer for extended periods of time)
-
being disrespectful towards
members of the organization or the public
-
any other behaviour not
consistent with the mandates/philosophies of the Guardian
Angels
Q: How is a Guardian Angel Recognized?
A:
The Guardian Angel uniform consists
of:
Q: Are the Guardian Angels paid?
A:
No. We are all volunteers and the entire organization has been
funded for 27 years on donations of time, materials and money from
individuals and corporations.
Q: Do the Guardian
Angels Safety Patrols receive training?
A: Absolutely! Any member wishing to
participate in Safety Patrols must undergo an initial training
period of three months which includes (amongst other things):
Q: Do the
Guardian Angels carry weapons?
A: No. Members are searched before patrols (for everyone's safety)
The following articles are forbidden from being brought into the
office or carried on patrol (anyone found in possession of these on
a patrol will be dismissed immediately):
** All
Guardian Angels Canada applicants must file for a complete Police
Background Check - this is more comprehensive than the simple CPIC
"Clearance Letter" and more appropriate to our organization's
mandates. As stated
on the Toronto Police Service website:
"A Clearance Letter does not
satisfy the needs of the social agencies (Big Brothers, Scouts
Canada, Toronto Parks & Recreation etc) that have entered into a
memorandum of understanding with the Toronto Police Service for the
purpose of a police reference check. It is also not accepted by the
National Parole Board or the Ministry of Consumer and Business
Services for the purpose of obtaining a pardon or name change."
Individuals requiring a
record check for this purpose must submit the necessary
documentation and sign a "Consent to Disclosure of Personal
Information" which can only be obtained at Police Headquarters.
In Toronto a fee of $42.40 will be charged for this type of record
check. Fees for other cities may vary - contact your local Police
HQ.
In addition to the CPIC form and the
fee, you will require two pieces of Government issued ID - at least
one must have a picture in addition to full name, address and
birthdate.
No applications will be
processed without the background check. |
