NO THANK YOU, ANGELS

New York City's Guardian Angels should stay home.

Having failed three times to establish a presence in Toronto, some of
the vigilantes in red berets and red jackets are talking about
starting a chapter here in Ottawa, perhaps hoping to capitalize on
the recent uptick in violent crimes on Rideau Street. They're seeking
a meeting with Ottawa police.

But there's nothing they do that others can't do better. The police
are trained in fighting crime. If they don't do a perfect job, maybe
we need more of them -- but a competing group, throwing its weight at
people the Angels have decided are public threats, won't make Ottawa
a safer city. Our social-service agencies don't need help they
haven't asked for, either.

Concerned citizens who want to contribute can form neighbourhood
watches, arrange for safety audits, or call the police if necessary.
But Ottawa doesn't need amateurs on patrol.