Toledo Police have a new set of eyes on the streets, but they're not coming from cameras.
Black & White Transportation has offered to help keep the city safe through their initiative called Transportation on Patrol (TOP).
"It's like a mobile block watch...to observe and report anything that is abnormal," Black & White Transportation owner Scott Potter explained.
The public-private partnership was unveiled during a press conference, on Thursday, but has been in the works for a few months.
"We had seen it at a convention for TLPA, Taxicab Limousine Para-transit Association, last year in Chicago. We saw a presentation from a Denver police chief," Potter said.
So, Black & White Transportation officials brought the idea to the Glass City and submitted a proposal to Toledo Police.
TPD has agreed to take part in the initiative and will be in charge of training cabbies that volunteer, for TOP.
Drivers will learn, not just how to spot emergencies, but things like road hazards, weather related issues and medical emergencies.
"[Black & White Transportation] drove nearly 2 million miles in 2011 and we have over 100 vehicles. It makes sense [since] we are out there 24 hours a day,” Potter said.
A press conference announcing the initiative coincided with Black & White Transportation opening its new location on Bancroft.
The facility will serve as their hub and houses central dispatch as well as administrative offices.
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