Taxis on Patrol Program Supports City’s Law Enforcement Efforts
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
December 5, 2012
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More Information:
John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798
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Taxis on Patrol
Program Supports City’s Law Enforcement Efforts
(Columbus)--A new safety program designed to
protect neighborhoods and residents is coming to Columbus thanks to a unique partnership between Yellow
Cab Company and local law enforcement. Taxis on Patrol (T.O.P.) is
a “block watch on wheels” in which taxi drivers volunteer to be trained as the
eyes and ears of officers and deputies. Taxi on Patrol cab drivers are
trained on how to observe suspicious activity, potential crime or crimes in
progress and how to report the information most effectively to law enforcement.
The Division of Police video educates drivers on how to observe and how best to
report information when they dial 911 or the non-emergency police number.
Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley, chair of the Public Service and Transportation
Committee, attended the T. O. P. news conference and calls the program an important tool
to fight crime in Columbus.
“Safety is everyone’s responsibility,”
said Councilmember Paley. “Yellow Cab is putting in place this program to
build a safer community for our residents and visitors. This is a perfect
example of how corporations can step up to be part of solutions to everyday
problems.”
To become a certified T.O.P. driver, the taxi
drivers are trained using computerized training materials and videos developed
in partnership with the Columbus Division of Police and the Franklin County
Sheriff’s Department.
Yellow Cab says their goal is to equip all
130 of their fleet with cameras, like those in police cars, to provide
additional protection, and possibly evidence.
United Dairy Farmers will also
be a partner in the Taxis on Patrol program. UDF locations will become
official staging stops for Yellow Cabs.