We understand you might have questions about the private patrol services being considered/implemented in our community. Here you'll find answers to some common inquiries. If you have further questions, please write to contact@montclaircommunity.org.
Private patrol involves hiring a licensed security company to provide supplemental security services within our community. This can include regular patrols, responding to non-emergency calls, deterring crime, and providing an added layer of safety and security for residents and their property.
After careful vetting of several companies, we will be partnering with a reputable and licensed private security company, Sentry Security. They employ trained and background-checked security officers.
Visible patrol presence encourages criminals to avoid the area and makes it less desirable to commit crime. Private patrol is a supplement to the services provided by our local police department. They do not have the same authority as law enforcement officers. Their role is to observe, report, and deter. In the event of a crime or emergency, residents should always contact 911 first. The private patrol can then assist as directed or provide initial support until the police arrive. If a private patrol officer notices a crime in progress, their duty is to contact local law enforcement.
Private patrol officers will be clearly identifiable by their uniforms and marked vehicles with flashing lights, displaying the name and logo of the security company. They will also carry identification.
No. The current proposal from Sentry is that the security officers are unarmed.
The cost of the private patrol services will be funded through a price commitment from all households in our coverage map.
The effectiveness of the private patrol will be monitored through data provided by Sentry Security. We will regularly assess the program to ensure it is meeting the needs of the community and is subject to alterations based on demand.
If you don’t subscribe, you will not receive the benefits for your household that Sentry provides (incident reports, vacation checks, personal safety escort, etc.) and will not call police for any incident.
Sentry can work with your home security service provider directly. Call your provider for those options and ask about any benefits or perks for subscribing to private patrol.
Private patrol officers will patrol in common areas and roadways within the community. Access to private property will only occur with the subscribing residence’s permission or in specific situations (e.g., vacation checks).
We value your feedback. A process for providing comments and suggestions regarding the private patrol services will be established at a later time.
The patrol will be in effect from 12pm - 6am because it has been during these hours that serious crimes have been prevalent in our area. This schedule is subject to vary month to month depending on crime patterns.
6 hour shifts, Monday through Sunday. (~182 hrs/ month)
Currently excludes holidays:
(New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and
Christmas Day)
The cost per subscriber household is $57.00 per month. The total cost for 12 months of service per household is $684. New subscribers will pay 50% ($342) up front, and then the remaining 50% 6 months after date of first payment.
If our subscription goal is fulfilled by June 30, 2025, we will start the patrol by mid-July. If this should change, all subscribers will receive an update via email from UMNA with the updated plan.
UMNA will collect payment from subscribers and pay Sentry. Subscribers will be responsible to commit to the payment terms outlined in the Payment Terms Agreement with UMNA. UMNA is not responsible for terms of services provided by Sentry. UMNA’s role is to collect payment from subscribers to fund private patrol services. Please note that UMNA is powered by a small group of volunteers and we are a not-for-profit organization.
Deadline for new subscriber to make their first payment is June 30th, 2025.
Donating more is greatly appreciated! Additional contributions are especially helpful right now as we work to launch the neighborhood patrol. Every extra dollar brings us closer to a safer, more secure community for everyone. If you're in a position to give more, your support will go a long way.
UMNA relies on the generous donations from the community for operational costs and organizing multiple initiatives.
The more subscribers we get, the lower the cost. Please share this printable flyer with your neighbors and encourage them to join ASAP. If you are on a fixed income or have budget constraints, please pay what you can. If you pay, you are a subscriber.
At this time, we are only asking households on the proposed coverage area to commit. Please connect with us with your proposal to add your block to the coverage area.
Please submit your payment via this PayPal link: Click here By proceeding with your payment, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of the payment agreement.
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