NATIONAL – Neighborhood watch group operations expected to be re-examined in aftermath of Zimmerman trial
By Michael Cipriano — July 18, 2013
National – Home owners’ associations with neighborhood watch progams will likely re-examine their operations in the aftermath of George Zimmerman’s acquittal, experts say. The family of Trayvon Martin, the 17-year-old shot dead by Zimmerman, already has reached a reported seven-figure settlement with the homeowners association in the gated Florida community where Zimmerman lived. The payment, made before Zimmerman was acquitted, shows that civil liability doesn’t depend on proving a volunteer patrol member broke the law. “I think a lot of associations that have neighborhood watch programs will now pay close attention to see if they have closely tailored policies and procedures,” said Miami-based attorney Roberto Blanch, who specializes in representing community associations. “I also think they will be more cautious about endorsing them.” Read more: