For more than four decades, the Franklin Square Civilian Patrol has served as an extra set of eyes and ears for the community, working alongside law enforcement to help address neighborhood concerns and keep residents informed.
The group, which has been active since the early 1980s, is made up of concerned citizens who work with the Nassau County Police Department's Fifth Precinct to support problem-oriented policing efforts. Members meet regularly with officers assigned to the unit to discuss community concerns and help coordinate solutions.
Franklin Square Civilian Patrol President Carl Gerrato said the organization has evolved over the years, moving beyond traditional patrols to focus on education, communication and connecting residents with resources.
"We are the eyes and ears for the police department," Gerrato said. "We see something, say something as it should be."
Gerrato emphasized that every resident has a role in keeping the community safe.
"Everybody in the community is a member of the civilian patrol. They just don't know it," he said. "Because any good concerned citizen is going to call if there's a problem."
The group's recent initiative was developed after more than a year of gathering information and working with community members and local organizations. The goal is to provide residents with a direct avenue to report concerns and find solutions rather than simply sharing complaints online.
Gerrato said issues such as illegal apartments, parking concerns and other quality-of-life matters are among the topics residents bring to the group. Members help connect residents with the appropriate departments, including the building department, when issues require additional action.
"We take everyone's concerns about the community to heart, and we will do what we can to find them the answer so things can get corrected," Gerrato said.
While the Civilian Patrol once focused more heavily on scheduled neighborhood drives, Gerrato said the organization has adapted to changing times. Today, members also provide information sharing, community outreach and educational opportunities, including coordinating trainings such as Narcan education and CPR programs.
Joseph Gerrato, Carl Gerrato's brother and a Civilian Patrol member, said the organization is now focused on recruiting younger volunteers to continue its mission.
Many of the group's members have backgrounds in community service through organizations such as the Franklin Square Fire Department, Lions Club and Rotary Club. Joseph Gerrato said those connections have helped strengthen the Civilian Patrol's relationships with local police, firefighters and civic associations.
"The relationship started through our meetings and community events," he said. "Everyone's involved in multiple organizations."
He said the organization also recognizes young people who demonstrate a commitment to their community by presenting Good Citizenship Awards each year to graduating sixth-grade students at the Franklin Square elementary schools. Recipients receive a certificate and a monetary award that can be used for educational expenses.
Joseph Gerrato said the organization has also evolved with advances in technology, making it easier to share information with residents and law enforcement.
"A lot of our senior members have definitely embraced it," he said. "They love it."
The group's patrol model has changed as well. Rather than relying solely on marked patrol vehicles, members often observe the community while walking, biking or spending time with their families, reporting suspicious activity when necessary.
"It has changed especially now that we have cellphones and we communicate differently," Joseph said.
He pointed to an example at Rath Park, where repeated vandalism led to the installation of cameras in certain areas to help address the issue.
Gerrato said the organization is not focused on recognition but on making Franklin Square a better place to live.
"We never look for accolades or pats on the back," he said. "We just want to make things better for the community."
The group continues to welcome new members who are interested in supporting the community and working toward solutions to local concerns. The Civilian Patrol will hold a virtual general meeting Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact (516) 805-1126.
