Community Group Polices Neighborhood, Reduces Police Calls

Brownsville residents stood sentry on their own blocks to help their community police itself.
Civilians took over handling 911 calls in the area and persuaded people to turn in illegal guns, prevented shoplifting, and stopped violence.
The effort is part of a movement to reduce armed police response to many calls in favor of civilian responders.
The Brownsville Safety Alliance is working to ensure fewer people are arrested and caught up in the criminal justice system.
After five days of the experiment, the community responders demonstrated their ability to police their own neighborhood.