Shomrim (volunteers) - Volunteers

Volunteers

Shomrim volunteers, who are unpaid, are members of the Hasidic and Haredi Jewish communities that they serve. Typically, the patrol is composed of local businessmen, shop owners, teachers, and other professionals; Brooklyn South Shomrim also includes the Nikolsburger Rebbe, Rabbi Mordechai Jungreis. London and Stamford Hill Shomrim require their members to be "Jewish, male, and married" as a sign of stability and affiliation with the community. In Brooklyn, Shomrim members are trained and licensed by the police, which fingerprints and checks each member for a criminal record before he is allowed to join the patrol. In Stamford Hill, London, Shomrim volunteers undergo training according to Security Industry Authority standards.

Shomrim volunteers – who range from a few dozen to over 100, depending on the group – work on foot or in cars. Generally, members work two to a vehicle that is equipped with a radio and a siren. Some Brooklyn patrols have marked cars which resemble New York City Police Department vehicles, but most use their own, unmarked cars. The patrols may also carry walkie-talkies. They wear identifying jackets and yarmulkes on the job.

The volunteers do not carry guns, batons, pepper spray, or handcuffs, and do not have the authority to make arrests. However, they are trained in how to safely track and detain suspects until police arrive. They have been known to quickly mobilize area residents to block off streets in order to stop suspects. They also have the resources to spend long hours monitoring suspects. For example, in 2009, Brooklyn South Shomrim ended a citywide manhunt for a group of criminals who dressed up as water department inspectors to rob elderly homeowners. When Shomrim received a call about suspicious people driving around in hard hats, they trailed the group for four hours until they were sure another burglary was taking place, and then called police to make the arrest.