Last night Mayor Sam Adams and Police Chief Mike Reese hung out with the downtown Queer Patrol for the official launch of the Q Center's volunteer program to organize a foot patrol on Old Town streets on weekend nights. The Q Patrol actually launched last month (and I went along), so last night's official debut was a hokey press event that gave Mayor Adams the chance to applaud the community and police working together.

"We do everything we can to keep the city safe, but when we combine with citizens, it's an unbeatable combination," said Adams, before handing off a silver whistle for the Q Patrol's ceremonial first blow.

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There was some conflict during the development of the Q Patrol about whether the group should work with police or be entirely citizen-led. For now, keep an eye out every Friday and Saturday night for the Q Patrolers with reflective vests and the police on speed dial.