DETROIT (WWJ) – Volunteer patrols for kids walking to Detroit’s Durfee Middle School and Central Collegiate Academy begin today, to make sure they get to and from school safely.

These patrols are a partnership with the North End Radio Patrol and Focus: HOPE, and run during the early morning and afternoons of school days. Officials are hoping for the same type of success experienced from other patrols at Cody, Denby and Osborn high schools, along with other schools.

Will Watkins is among those parents saying these patrols are needed.

“Things are not the same as it used to be when we were kids. It’s a lot of craziness out here and kids need to be safe,” says Watkins.

The district also hopes the program can attract additional volunteers for these patrols, as well as for block clubs.