COPP’s founder Bill Graff featured in today’s Enquirer article

Bill Graff with the Citizens on Patrol Program covered a lot of territory in his interview for today’s Enquirer article “Citizens keep an eye on Norwood.” For one thing, this Saturday’s training for new volunteers from 1:00 - 5:00 at the Norwood Police Academy at 2600 Park Avenue (see 8/21/09 blog below) is now open to walk-ins. Bill told the Enquirer, "We are hoping to get 15-20 people to come, but we have room for a good number, up to 30 or 40.” He said there’s so much more they could if do if they can increase the number of volunteers above the current dozen.

In addition to reporting “funny business” they see on their patrols, COPP volunteers are also helping keep the police substation at the Community Center open extra hours, and over time they have removed 800 pieces of graffiti from our landscape (remember this blog about the amazing product Elephant Snot?). NPD Officer Tim Brown said he’s aware of phone calls to the department praising the volunteers. Bill added,"We have people come out on their porches and applaud or take our pictures with cell phones. Makes you feel good."