Sanford FL Bans Guns From Neighborhood Watch Patrol After Zimmerman Case

Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith unveils sweeping changes to the city’s neighborhood watch program, including banning volunteers from carrying guns while on duty or pursuing anyone in their neighborhood. (Courtesy News 13)

The new Sanford, FL police chief is already shaking things up nearly two years after the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.

The Grio Reports:

Chief Cecil Smith is banning neighborhood watch volunteers from carrying guns on patrol and from pursuing anyone on foot.

“In this program, it is clearly stated that you will not pursue an individual,” Smith told the press. “In this new program, it clearly indicates that you will not carry a firearm when performing your duties as a neighborhood watch captain or participant.”

Smith took over the position as chief in April and stated major changes need to be made with the neighborhood watch .

“There was really no accountability. There was no true recognition. There were concerns with regards to training. There were concerns with how the program was being run,” Smith said. “We put a cease to the neighborhood watch program, essentially, in the manner it was in before, and what we’re doing now is really, truly revamping the entire program, starting from scratch.”

According to local reports, the new Neighborhood Watch program will also include background checks and watchmen will appoint captains who will have more give-and-take with rank-and-file police officers.

“Neighborhood watch is a very simple organization. It’s about neighbors helping neighbors, talking to neighbors about ways to make their neighborhood safe. That’s it,” Smith said. “Again, do I think I’m going to make every person happy about our requirements that you don’t be armed? I’m not going to make everyone happy, but not everyone has to be part of the program.”