Portland

NEW RECRUITS:
1. are required to fill out an application.
2. Although the Guardian Angels have one of the most open acceptance policies, we do not accept people with certain serious criminal convictions and violent, illegal, or discriminatory affiliations.
3. Those who are interested in patrol or self-defense training, and all minors, must fill out a consent and injury waiver form.
4. Those interested in assisting in other capacities, such as the CyberAngels program, are invited to contact us and inquire about our other, non-Patrol opportunities.

PATROL TRAINING

Patrol training is a comprehensive and progressively intense experience. You will be trained in three general areas: 1) Patrol (tactical), 2) PsycComm (mental), and 3) Use of Force (physical).
There are three manuals that cover each of these areas. Your training will encompass all three at the same time. You also have the option of patrolling on your very first day. If you wish, you can also do a “WalkAlong.” The word “patrolling” is really a misnomer since we spend most of our time simply performing community relations and outreach. Perhaps in the future we may change the term accordingly.

WALKALONG

As a WalkAlong, you are dressed in your normal civilian attire. You are not bound by any of the Guardian Angels rules or regulations. However, you are expected to behave in a professional and respectful manner. You may leave the patrol whenever you wish. If an incident arises, you are expected to stand back and observe unless you possess advanced medical training. As a WalkAlong, you are not representing the Guardian Angels.

I SUPPORT

If you wish to patrol, you will start out as an “I Support.” This means that you are a trainee. Although you are not a “Safety Patrol” member, you are a Guardian Angel. Whenever you wear a red beret and a Guardian Angels shirt, you are a Guardian Angels volunteer and represent this organization. You must consistently train and patrol for approximately three months and pass a final tactical, mental, and physical exam to become a Safety.

SAFETY

Becoming a Safety is a true honor and distinguishes you in this organization. We have a proud tradition among the Safety ranks. Not only does a Safety possess the basic skills and knowledge for patrolling, but a Safety must also exhibit personal courage, discipline, and integrity. About one in ten recruits have what it takes to become a Safety. One in ten recruits are capable of withstanding the public pressure, risks, hazards, attention, scrutiny, training, challenges, and tests. All others quit or fail. The challenge of becoming a Safety is not so much about facing external obstacles and threats. Unlike the military, we hold no special authority over you. You may leave whenever you wish. We will not humiliate, haze, embarrass, or threaten you. When you become a Safety, it is truly your choice and accomplishment. For many other programs, the fear of being punished or fired motivates participants to stay. The true battlefield for becoming a Safety is fought in your mind. You will only succeed if you have the internal drive and discipline. Once you become a Safety, it is then our job to provide you with even greater opportunities, goals, and challenges. Every Safety has made it on his or her own first.

The best example of this camaraderie occurs when you travel to other chapters, even chapters in other countries. It is a feeling like visiting relatives. There is an instant trust bond that runs as deep as blood. You know that your fellow Guardian Angel whether Japanese or British, Muslim or atheist, Puerto Rican or Asian has experienced the same kinds of training and situations on the streets. You know that if he is your partner, he will protect your life as his own.

PATROL GUARDIAN ANGEL

While being a Guardian Angel is a unique experience, there is no equivalent to being a Patrol Guardian Angel. Unlike martial arts or fighting schools, we deal with the real thing. Guardian Angels tactics and techniques have been tested and passed on the streets. Unlike police officers or gangs, we are completely unarmed. While some may view this as a disadvantage, nothing could be further from the truth. This seeming disadvantage actually forces us to elevate our level of training and focus. It forces us to rely solely on our minds and maturity to protect ourselves. It trains us to think faster, smarter, and better. Where others see the mean streets as danger and hazards, we see opportunities, challenges, and lessons. Where others see life as full of setbacks, regrets, and obstacles, we see life’s opportunities, challenges, and lessons.

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