Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa spoke at a news conference Monday, saying the the patrols will serve as a "visual deterrence" to criminals, quelling conflicts and making citizen arrests.
Sliwa said he was alarmed by the murder of Marcelo Lucero in November and wanted to ensure the safety of all residents.
Hispanics across America president Fernando Mateo said the Guardian Angels will be a "defense mechanism" against attacks.
According to Newsday, residents had mixed feelings about the Angels presence. Some said they welcomed the additional eyes and ears on the streets, but others shook their heads skeptically at what appeared to be a display intended for television cameras.
"We could always use the extra safety, and there is a lot of prejudice in Patchogue," retired postal worker Manuel Roman told the newspaper.
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