Guardian Angels 'growing by leaps and bounds,' look to recruit more members

Fordham Road is where the Guardian Angels got their start. Forty-two years later, they're still patrolling the streets -- and they hope more people from the neighborhood will join them.

News 12 Staff

Dec 4, 2020, 2:01 AM

Updated 1,464 days ago

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Fordham Road is where the Guardian Angels got their start. Forty-two years later, they're still patrolling the streets -- and they hope more people from the neighborhood will join them.
Arnaldo Salinas, a founding member and senior director, says the Guardian Angels go where there's a need. Due to the pandemic, the "Defund the Police" movement, and protests, he says it's a necessity to be in the Bronx.
"We're growing by leaps and bounds. There's a resurgence of Guardian Angels today because of what is going on," he says.
The red berets with red and white sweatshirts and jackets are part of the goal to be a visual deterrent on streets and subways. But they say it's sometimes not enough.
"We do not hesitate to use force depending on the situation, our main focus and goal is for everybody to be safe," Salinas said.
Monday night was one of those situations. They made a citizen's arrest in the subway after they say a man assaulted two of their members. They flagged down police officers to get involved. The NYPD works with the Guardian Angels, they say, because they have mutual respect and the same goals.
They admit there's a long way to go, but the veteran patrol group is working to build the future, posting recruiting signs in the neighborhood.