Concerned resident aims to form armed militia to patrol Stockton

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Concerned resident aims to form armed militia to patrol Stockton


Concerned resident aims to form armed militia to patrol Stockton
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David Siders
By David Siders
Record Staff Writer
April 07, 2009 6:00 AM

STOCKTON - A retired truck driver and Vietnam War veteran said Monday that he is forming an armed militia - mostly men with rifles and armbands, four to a car - to patrol Stockton this summer, when at least 43 police officers are to be laid off.

Alan Pettet, 66, said he has recruited 18 men, most of whom are ex-military. He said the militia will train at a firing range and "activate" if the city lays off any officer, as it intends by July 1.

The likelihood of an armed militia materializing is uncertain - there are legal concerns, and posturing to influence City Hall is not uncommon - but for a neighborhood activist even to advance such a proposal was indicative of frustration about Stockton's awful budget forecast. The City Council is expected by July 1, the start of fiscal 2009-10, to order police layoffs and spending reductions citywide to balance a general fund budget that is otherwise expected to be $31million in deficit by June 2010.

Pettet, a midtown neighborhood activist who has a Desert Eagle pistol, said militiamen will detain suspected criminals and call police to arrest them. They will wear armbands and will patrol in a car marked by a magnetic sign, he said.

"It's going to be 'Stockton Armed Militia,'" Pettet said. "'SAM' for short."

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[and-justice-for-all]

1. They can't actually do that...

and what the hell are they afraid of??

[old mark]

3. No real reason why not - the police are only there after the fact,

and publicity about armed citizens patroling the area might serve to keep all but the most stupid criminals elsewhere.

mark

[tularetom]

2. I feel safer already

Knowing that a gang of armed paranoid half blind old farts will be cruising the streets of an American City lookin for troublemakers.

[TheWraith]

4. Uh, I'm pretty sure that violates several REALLY good laws.

Look, if you want to help out, form a volunteer police auxiliary. But it has to be authorized and overseen.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

7. Depending on how they do it, it could be quite legal

[rrneck]

5. Before you know it

Kevin Costner will be delivering the mail on horseback.

[krispos42]

6. California, btw. And they're planning on billing the city

Pettet said the militia will bill the city $350 per hour for its services. City Attorney Ren Nosky said he knew of no legal basis requiring the city to pay such a bill.

So then they're mercenaries???


:eyes:




If they want to cruise around and keep an eye on things, that's fine. Get a powerful handhelt spotlight and a good-quality digital camera or HDTV camcorder. If they see something, light'em up and use the camera while you call the cops. Since most criminals are known to the police, they'll be able to track down the perps.


It's California. It's virtually impossible for the non-elite to get a concealed carry permit anyway.

[umccoyw]

8. Think about it

if you lived there and the cops got fired and you got those people driving around do you really want to break the law? Cops are trained to handle situations and know when the can shoot and these guys might not so if you want to get shot it might be a good idea to follow the law