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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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11

Citizen Convoys Take on Jersey Crime

Volunteers cruise Newark streets to deter thugs

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(Newser) – Volunteer convoys have been cruising Newark's roughest streets over the last month in an effort to cut crime rates and fly the flag for law enforcement. Citizens taking part in the "Crime Caravan" program hit the streets in packs of vehicles that resemble crime response units, led by off-duty officers flashing their emergency lights.

Critics say the program is a political gimmick and could put volunteers in danger. But Mayor Cory Booker, who created the program, says it's all about letting people know the law still holds in Newark. "The caravan gives people a sense of strength and security," he told AP. "They let criminals know we're taking the city back."

Newark Mayor Corey Booker, left, and Public Safety Director Anthony Campos speak to volunteers prior to the start of a citizen anti-crime caravan this week.
Newark Mayor Corey Booker, left, and Public Safety Director Anthony Campos speak to volunteers prior to the start of a citizen anti-crime caravan this week.   (AP Photo/Christopher Barth)
Jabbar Ali, left, and Cass Gonmiah, both of Newark, sign in to participate in the nightly citizen caravans in which packs of eight vehicles drive through Newark neighborhoods.
Jabbar Ali, left, and Cass Gonmiah, both of Newark, sign in to participate in the nightly citizen caravans in which packs of eight vehicles drive through Newark neighborhoods.   (AP Photo/Christopher Barth)
A citizen caravan drives through Newark's South Ward.
A citizen caravan drives through Newark's South Ward.   (AP Photo/Christopher Barth)
Newark Mayor Corey Booker, right, his driver, left, and a police officer, second from right, talk to three men during a citizen anti-crime caravan this week.
Newark Mayor Corey Booker, right, his driver, left, and a police officer, second from right, talk to three men during a citizen anti-crime caravan this week.   (AP Photo/Christopher Barth)
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11 comments
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DarkFrancis
Oct 29, 09 6:20 AM CDT
Would this be an implicit acknowledgement by the mayor that either 1) the local law enforcement agency is not doing a good job or 2) the mayor is not allocating enough resources to allow them to do a good job? Reply
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BoZo
Oct 29, 09 9:29 AM CDT
Yes to both.
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RockyPneumonia
Oct 29, 09 1:30 PM CDT
No, it's an explicit acknowledgement that previous administrations were too busy stuffing their pockets and let the situation get out of hand. Newark's crime rate has plummeted -- in excess of the national average -- since Booker's been in office.
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Monjubikahn
Oct 29, 09 6:29 PM CDT
The local Mafia sent the mayor a letter saying, "If you don't clean up this mess, we will."
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Netstorm2k9
Oct 29, 09 7:01 AM CDT
This will last until someone gets shot, and then the lawsuits begin. Reply
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