What is the KSP and how does it work?The Kirkwood Security Patrol (KSP) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2008 by a small group of concerned Kirkwood residents who wanted to be proactive about fighting crime in our community. KSP intends to provide an additional police presence in Kirkwood, helping to make our community safer and to improve the quality of life for everyone. Membership benefits include access to an off-duty City of Atlanta police officer who serves as KSP’s Patrol Officer and is authorized to make arrests and respond to emergency calls. Members may also request the KSP Officer to patrol specific areas or homes. The more members we have, the more patrol hours we can fund. Is the KSP part of the Kirkwood Neighbors' Organization (KNO)?The KSP is a separate entity from the Kirkwood Neighbors' Organization (KNO), but the two groups work collaboratively to make our community safer for all residents. Who runs the KSP?The KSP is a community-based organization run by volunteers elected annually to the Board. Volunteers are always welcome.How much are dues?Dues are paid on an annual basis. Membership for the 2010 fiscal year (through 2011-01-31) is $200, or less than $17/month. The KSP's fiscal year begins on February 1 and ends on January 31. Discounts are available to senior citizens and residents of apartment buildings.What does my membership pay for?
93% of the KSP's budget goes directly to the patrol officer's salary, with 3% going toward marketing & advertising. The remaining 4% is used for the KSP officer’s cell phone charges, PayPal fees, corporate/tax filing fees, and post office box charges.What are some of the benefits to members?Membership benefits include access to an off-duty City of Atlanta Police Officer who serves as the KSP’s Patrol Officer and is authorized to make arrests and respond to emergency calls. Members may also request the KSP Officer to patrol specific areas or homes. The more members we have, the more patrol hours we can fund. The KSP can also provide guidance to established and newly formed Kirkwood Neighborhood Watch groups as well as offer tips and resources for improving one’s home security. Does the KSP Patrol Officer only patrol KSP member homes while on duty?No, he is patrolling all of Kirkwood and its homes while on duty for the KSP. Everyone in the neighborhood benefits from the KSP's efforts. The officer drives around hot-spots, responds to calls from KSP members, conducts surveillance, and patrols certain areas as requested by members. If you are a member, you can view patrol logs using Google Docs for KSP. Why does the KSP Patrol Officer drive an unmarked car?One of the basic principles of law enforcement is that you have a better chance of catching criminals breaking into a house or a car when you’re in an unmarked car because the criminals don’t realize a police officer is watching. Criminals generally look out for police cars. With this approach, the KSP Officer has a better chance of making arrests and getting criminals off the streets, helping to make Kirkwood safer for everyone. It works – last year the KSP Officer made some 40 arrests while on patrol for KSP in an unmarked car. My family is going out of town on vacation. Can the KSP Patrol Officer keep an eye on things for us?Yes. It is also a good idea to fill out a directed patrol request at Zone 6 in downtown Kirkwood a few weeks ahead of time, as well, to cover the hours when the KSP Patrol Officer is not on duty. Requests should be emailed to the KSP Patrol Officer (please see your KSP New Member Welcome Letter for email address) Please note that the officer may not respond directly to your email (he has limited administrative hours while on duty with us), but rest assured he has received it and will add your home to his list How do I sign-up?Dues can be paid several ways:
How often does the KSP meet?The KSP Board meets on a monthly basis. A general meeting open to all KSP members and the public is held quarterly. |
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