Castro Community on Patrol (CCOP), a Castro neighborhood watch group founded in 2006, received recognition as an 'Outstanding Neighborhood Watch Group' yesterday as part of the 12th Annual Neighborhood Empowerment Network Awards.

The all-volunteer group, which regularly patrols the Castro in groups of 3 or 4 in their unmistakable orange vests, is a neighborhood fixture. The group works to encourage good street behavior and quickly address any neighborhood concerns.

"I have watched, and helped, CCOP grow from a reaction-based response to violent attacks on the LGBT community, to a leadership role in enhancing the overall safety and security fabric of the Castro in general through outreach, classes, leadership, and hard work," said CCOP Deputy Chief of Patrol Ken Craig.

CCOP's Kyle Wong (left), Ken Craig (center) and Leandro Gonzalez (right).

"First and foremost, we are observers, acting as the eyes and ears of the neighborhood," explained CCOP Chief of Patrol Greg Carey when Hoodline joined them in 2015.

"We stick together in our patrol, and never engage in a situation that could be dangerous," Carey said. CCOP members report dangerous situations to the police, while recording anything that may be of value.

CCOP also engages in safety education. Along with handing out safety literature, CCOP has distributed over 100,000 safety whistles and regularly host basic self defense classes. The next self defense class is scheduled for March 24, 2020.

In addition, CCOP works along with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Community Patrol USA on the 'Stop the Violence' project.

CCOP members along with District 8 Safety Coordinator Jessica Closson.

Glen Park resident Leandro Gonzales tells Hoodline he got involved with CCOP six years ago while living in Duboce Triangle after seeing a spike in crime.

"The Castro has seen it share of crimes and it's good to be visible especially on weekends when you get a lot of people of all ages, from all over the Bay Area, [coming] to the Castro," said Gonzales.

CCOP's Greg Carey (center) along with Rafael Mandelman and Patrol Special Cody Clements (right).

"The Castro is lucky to have the amazing volunteer members of Castro Community on Patrol keeping the neighborhood safe," said District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman. "My office works closely with Greg Carey and CCOP, and they have been important partners in our efforts to address public safety issues in the Castro."

Recently Mandelman's office helped CCOP secure $40,000 in add-back funds — $20,000/year for two years — as part of this year's budget process. Add-back funds are designated by each member of the Board of Supervisors for priorities in their district. Mandelman said he expects the funding to be ongoing.

"I can’t think of a more deserving group to be named Outstanding Neighborhood Watch," he said.

CCOP volunteers at a CPR training class.

Carey tells Hoodline when CCOP first started they had over 100 volunteers, allowing them to have three teams of three every Friday and Saturday evening. However, he said that recently, they've seen their volunteer numbers drop.

Those interested in becoming a CCOP member can register for their next volunteer training class on Saturday January 18 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and live in, work in or regularly visit San Francisco.

"We are always hoping for new faces to allow us to have more patrols on the street," said Carey.

The 12th Annual NEN Awards Ceremony and Reception is set for January 29th from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at City Hall.

The awards, announced by the Mayor's office, recognize members of the Neighborhood Empowerment Network (NEN), a combination of government, non-profit, academic, faith-based, private sector, philanthropic and civic agencies and institutions.

According to its website, NEN's mission is to "leverage the expertise, resources and programs of its member organizations to create and deploy tools and resources that empower communities to achieve their self-identified resilience goals."

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to RVSP to the event. The full list of NEN awards is available on their website.