FIRST PATROL FOR GUARDIAN ANGELS NEAR

In just a few weeks, bright red berets will become one of downtown
Calgary's familiar sights as the Guardian Angels take their program
for a local test drive.

Nine new recruits will graduate from training March 25 and start
their first patrol the following weekend, said Greg Martin, spokesman
and trainer for the Calgary chapter.

After months of physical training, self-defence and conflict
resolution courses, Martin said he hopes the group's presence will
act as a visual crime deterrent.

The group will initially try to do at least one patrol a week, he said,.

"There are a lot of things out in the open, obvious things like drug
use, that may not necessarily stop because of us being there," Martin
said, "but hopefully it'll be taken off the streets, away from Joe
Public and their kids."

Meanwhile, Calgary police says the Special Duty Beat Team is helping
crack down on downtown and Beltline crime. The team laid 221 criminal
charges, issued 847 summonses and executed 388 warrants between Aug.
1 and Dec. 31, 2006.

Police said they're gaining intelligence on downtown criminal
activity and have received a positive response from commuters and businesses.

"Our feedback from the legitimate users of the area . . . is that
they're extremely happy to see us there," said Acting Insp. Steve
Ellefson. "The climate of the area has changed, and things are much
more positive."