SOUL PATROL: Pastor revives anti-crime group

Published 3:00 pm Thursday, October 12, 2017

By Terry Richards terry.richards@gaflnews.com

Terry RichardsGlen Bridges, Doug Robinson, the Rev. J.D. Martin and Jewell Crowder stand in front of SOUL PATROL vehicles Wednesday on East Jane Street.

VALDOSTA — The SOUL PATROL took to the streets Wednesday to help the community in any way possible.

The Rev. J.D. Martin started the original SOUL PATROL in 2001 and is restarting the program.

SOUL PATROL stands for safety, organize, unity, loyalty and protect, assist, training, respect, obey and laws, according to organizers.

“We will be patrolling neighborhoods and helping in any way we can in the community,” Martin said.

Among the SOUL PATROL members are leader Jewell Crowder, team leader Glen Bridges and Doug Robinson.

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Crowder, a 26-year Air Force veteran, said he wants the group to “try to guide young people in the right direction.”

Bridges said he used to be a neighborhood block captain on Largo Circle with Neighborhood Watch and “enjoyed what (SOUL PATROL) is trying to do for the City of Valdosta.”

Robinson has served as a team leader for sister organization Citizens Against Violence and said he hopes SOUL PATROL can “make a difference in neighborhoods.”

Crowder said anyone wanting to join the group can talk to him or Martin. Crowder said interested people can also call him at (229) 560-3564.

The SOUL PATROL headquarters is at the Citizens Against Violence building, 625 E. Jane St. The group is not affiliated with the Valdosta Police Department, Martin said.

Terry Richards is senior reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times.