Burglaries are keeping Birmingham Police busy in Woodlawn. But a new initiative to put citizens on patrol may help prevent those property crimes.
Right now, only one officer has a regular patrol beat in Woodlawn. By adding the volunteer officers, Birmingham Police hope to deter crime in that area. They've partnered with Woodlawn United, an organization looking to improve community safety. Volunteers will go through the Citizens Police Academy to become part of the unit. It's an initiative people who live in Woodlawn tell us, is giving them some reassurance.
If you're looking to learn something about the Woodlawn community.
"I've got some customers I've been cutting their hair since the 1960's," Vincent Oliver, said.
Vincent Oliver, owner of the Hippodrome Barber Shop is the source.
"Yeah, this one spot, right here!" he said. "I went to kindergarten at Woodlawn Grammar School - the school's not here anymore. Then I went to Woodlawn High School."
For 45 years, he's been trimming hair in this one-chair barber shop.
"I think it makes people feel better to have people around," Oliver said. "I've noticed the police more around here."
It's for people like Vincent, the Birmingham Police department and Woodlawn United are teaming to add a few officers to patrol these streets.
"Some of the biggest problems we have are property crimes, burglaries and things like that," Captain Allen Hatcher, Birmingham Police 6th Precinct, said.
Volunteers will serve as "citizens on patrol," extra eyes and ears watching for crime.
"Riding around, we'll be training them on what to look for, what to see and how to report," Chief Deputy Irene Williams, Birmingham Police said.
From 50th Street to 63rd Street and Airport highway through 5th Avenue South.
"So it's a fairly large area for us to cover," Chief Deputy Williams said.
"It also acts as a deterrent because if people know there are extra people out there looking for them, they tend to go to other areas to commit their crimes," Captain Hatcher said.
A move, these longtime neighbors say, gives them a little extra peace of mind.
"Woodlawn is a good community," Oliver said. "I'm glad they are doing all this work around here. It's looking a lot better."
