Valley Stream Civilian Patrol aims to keep community safe

On any given day in Valley Stream, residents might notice a vehicle marked “Valley Stream Civilian Patrol” cruising slowly through the community and keeping a vigilant lookout. But the Civilian Patrol isn’t a law enforcement agency, and the organization doesn’t have the authority to issue tickets or make arrests — it’s a neighborhood watch group made up of dedicated volunteers who strive to keep the village, and all of Valley Stream, safe.

“Our main purpose is for visible patrolling of the neighborhood to deter crime,” George Catalanotto, the organization’s treasurer, explained. “Our objective is patrols. We know the areas, we know some of the hot spots.”   

The Civilian Patrol covers all areas of the incorporated village as well as the parts of Valley Stream that are outside the village, including the senior living communities. The members patrol every day of the week, during the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. 

Barry Chin, the Civilian Patrol’s vice president, said the organization serves as “eyes for the community.” It is their intention to be noticed, and to give people a sense of safety. “When I drive by and go to the railroad, I stop there for a while,” he said. “People come by, they see us and they feel a little safer that there’s somebody watching out.”

The members of the organization do not patrol on foot for safety reasons. They never leave their vehicles, except in limited circumstances to assist someone who might be injured. When they’re out doing their rounds, members constantly communicate with each other and the base by radio, Catalanotto said. If they observe suspicious activity, they will contact the Fifth Precinct, and police officers will arrive soon after the call is made.

“If we see something, we do something — we call,” the Civilian Patrol’s president, Ralph Polverino, said. He has been an active member of the organization since 1990.

In addition to alerting police about crime in the neighborhood, the Civilian Patrol focuses on helping in the community if they are made aware of certain incidents, or to assist with finding a missing person or lost pet.

A core component of the Civilian Patrol is educating people about keeping safe both at home and when they’re out in the community. The organization gives presentations on safety at PTA meetings and talks for various groups. Catalanotto said that the Civilian Patrol compiles their safety tips from several sources, including the NYPD, the NCPD, other law enforcement agencies, and security firms. 

“People who want to do this, who want to join the Civilian Patrol — it’s to feel a sense of community, to feel safe. . . . You learn . . . how to be safe, how to notice things on your street, if there are strangers around. Things that you wouldn’t think of,” Chin said. 

The Civilian Patrol began in the village in 1980, when it was formed by a group of concerned citizens, Polverino said of the organization’s established history. At its height, the Civilian Patrol had nearly 100 members. But membership has declined through the years, according to Catalanotto, and Covid-19 brought additional challenges. The organization is now actively encouraging more people in the community to join. Membership is open to anyone who lives in the village over the age of 19 and has a license. A law enforcement background is not necessary.

Membership in the Civilian Patrol is voluntary and members are not paid. The organization does, however, provide a gas stipend for those who have met their monthly hourly requirements. The organization asks members to commit two hours of their time a week, which can be scheduled at their convenience.

Meetings are held on the last Thursday of every month at 7:30. Those who are interested in joining the Valley Stream Civilian Patrol can find out more by visiting the organization’s website at https://www.valleystreamcivilianpatrol.org.