Police Academy films inspire Church Stretton Citizens on Patrol idea

The cult Police Academy movies have proved an inspiration for a public-spirited south Shropshire resident who wants to set up a Citizens On Patrol scheme to fight vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Under the plans, members of the public would don high visibility jackets and patrol around the town to create a noticeable presence on the streets.

The project is the brainchild of John Woolmer, of Church Stretton Community Group.

The idea is based on Streetwatch schemes already widely used in Hampshire, Surrey and Bedfordshire. And it is also similar to the 1987 film Police Academy 4, where officers train members of the public to help form Citizens On Patrol units (COPs) to help fight crime.

Mr Woolmer said he had been inspired to act after seeing 15 instances of vandalism and anti-social behaviour impact directly on schemes he had helped bring about through his work with the community group and the town's Pride of Place committee.

These include fencing being damaged, overturned planters and ripped flags in the town park and at the railway station.

At a recent Join the Conversation meeting in Craven Arms, Superintendent Pete Lightwood, of West Mercia Police, called for members of the public to play a role in assisting the police, which prompted Mr Woolmer to devise his plan.

But town mayor Councillor Bob Welch said he thought it would send out the wrong message to elderly residents and tourists.

Mr Woolmer said: "It's not vigilante, it's not amateur policing and it's not confrontational in any way. It's a chance for the community to take this on board and help the police, but it has to be an initiative that's led by the police."

But Councillor Welch said: "Since CCTV has been established in the town we have had no anti-social behaviour. Our fear is whether this very well intentioned initiative will be perceived in a negative way and raise elderly people's fear of anti-social behaviour."

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: "If Mr Woolmer wishes to submit details of his proposal in writing they will be considered."

By Peter Kitchen