Some volunteers who keep watch in Howard Beach, the neighborhood where Karina Vetrano was found murdered, say they're quitting their patrols.   The group blames the NYPD for forcing their hand.  Our Gene Apodaca has the story.

“The police can’t be everywhere, that’s why we’re out here, to help them ,“ said Joe Thompson.

Thompson heads the Howard Beach Citizens Safety Patrol.

Its 18 members drive the streets of Howard Beach, acting as an extra set of eyes for the police.  

But after three years of these unofficial, unarmed patrols, Thompson tells us he is disbanding his organization.

He says he’s tired of rejection by the NYPD and some community leaders.

“We submitted two applications for the civilian observation patrol and they both got denied,“ Thompson said.

That’s a reference to the group’s request for NYPD certification under the city’s COP -- Civilian Observation Patrol – program. certification would have given Thompson’s group the authority to use special flashing lights on their vehicles. 

“They don’t feel safe on the street,” said Thompson.  “ With not using our  amber lights at emergency situations at car accidents on dark corners. “

Thompson and his group have faced scrutiny.

Two years ago, the Howard Beach Forum, disclosed that Thompson was arrested in 2001 on charges of enterprise corruption and promoting prostitution. Thompson blames the charges on a foolish investment in an escort service. He said he pleaded guilty and paid a 500 dollar fine. The case records are now sealed.

Reporter: “Does it matter now that you know he did have a criminal record?”  

Resident Jose Costa said, “No, not at all, everyone makes mistakes “

Thompson said he was told the NYPD was not approving any requests for certifications under the Civilian Observation Patrol program, and that’s why his group was not approved.

The NYPD does confirm that all C.O.P. applications are on hold as it is currently reviewing its program.

The NYPD would not address what role, if any, Thompson’s 2001 arrest had on the department not approving the group’s certification.

The department says volunteers can still report crime, they encourage that.  

But with the community reeling over the murder of Karina Vetrano last summer,  some residents worry what it means that the group is disbanding.

“It’s not good for the community, they’re volunteers I think they deserve the respect and support of the community,“ said Howard Beach Resident, Charlie Chirico.

“We’re a small community and we need protection here,“ said Howard Beach Resident, Carol Iorio.