Archives February 2011

It was windy

White BaronBy White Baron
Our unequalled [sic] friend Skyman, semi-newbie Roswell (formerly known as Brother Keeper), and latest addition to the lifestyle, Kitty-Kat went out loaded up with several bags of snack-food, and basic hygiene. More common patrols begin after hours, but we got ourselves started around prime time, finding the usual sleeping places uninhabited. In the future, I think starting later might let us find more of those in need.
Reaching the end of the viaduct, a sight-impaired fellow with a cane had just exited the Ferry, and allowed us to help him find his bus stop. Afterwards [sic], we climbed the hills of Pioneer Square to reach a large regular multiple encampment, and discovered a few sleepers, and 2 or 3 more elaborate tents. The inhabitants, who recognized Skyman and myself, informed us that the police routinely move everyone out of this area at certain times of the day, which forces them to sleep under a nearby bridge, or the nearest wooded areas, or wherever hasn’t been taken by someone else.
We checked the sloped woods near the bridge, and saw no-one. Then, upon shining a spotlight under the bridge, the few camped there waved back to us, thankfully unintimidated [sic] by our attention. The portion of the chain-link fence bent down to allow access to the level area posed a challenge, as it was directly across the street without any signage that permitted pedestrian entrance. Skyman and Kitty took admirable initiative by racing across the busy street to meet the people, who came down to the fence to accept our goods.
Going back through the downtown parks and finding no one else at the time, we wanted to be sure to give the viaduct one last sweep, as it was close to midnight. We found widower Kevin, a man with a foam plastic bed, a wool blanket, a paper grocery bag of his own food, and chapped, cracked hands that startled me a bit. He explained that one heart-attack had bankrupted him onto the street, and having given his house to his daughter and her husband before the medical issues, was simply too proud to go them for help. I asked him what he did need, to which he answered, “Can you give me a new life?” I didn’t know what to say, and waited for the others to start talking with him to cover my embarrassment. He accepted a few band-aids, and reminded us that there were Third World children who would give anything to have what he had.
Perspective.
Finally, back at our starting point, we found 2 people. Kristine, who needed clothes, blankets and socks, provided courtesy of Kitty; and a sleeping man, camped several paces away, who awoke during our interaction with her. She remembered us form the larger meet up a month earlier. Kristine asked us to please stay and watch over her as she slept, and I explained that we couldn’t this time. We were parked close by, and as we were just about to call it a night, we overheard an argument. The man was accusing Kristine of stealing his lighter, and she called to us to intervene. I shone my spotlight just above the man so as not to seem directly threatening. “Listen, we’re not police, but we’re more than happy to call them. Cool it, alright?” He calmed down immediately. We maintained our distance throughout, and saw Kristine move her own gear away into the night.
Update: During the final stretch, Roswell accidently [sic] lost his phone. The next morning, I received a series of calls from our friend Kevin. He had picked it up, and was good enough to offer to return it.

On Patrol San Diego

The Guardian
As a member of the community, patrolling San Diego from the shadows, I as the Guardian and our Street Team are now blogging to keep you, our neighbors, “in the know” regarding matters of security and patrol.
Feel free to join our Street Team, whether costumed or not, and make a positive difference.
 

Use of Force Continuum

forceA use of force continuum is a standard that provides law enforcement officials & security guards (such as police officers, probation officers, or corrections officers) with guidelines as to how much force may be used against a resisting subject in a given situation. In certain ways it is similar to the military rules of engagement. The purpose of these models is to clarify, both for officers and citizens, the complex subject of use of force by law officers. They are often central parts of law enforcement agencies’ use of force policies. Although various criminal justice agencies have developed different models of the continuum, there is no universal standard model.
The first examples of use of force continua were developed in the 1980s and early 1990s. Early models were depicted in various formats, including graphs, semicircular “gauges”, and linear progressions. Most often the models are presented in “stair step” fashion, with each level of force matched by a corresponding level of subject resistance, although it is generally noted that an officer need not progress through each level before reaching the final level of force. These progressions rest on the premise that officers should escalate and de-escalate their level of force in response to the subject’s actions.
Although the use of force continuum is used primarily as a training tool for law officers, it is also valuable with civilians, such as in criminal trials or hearings by police review boards. In particular, a graphical representation of a use of force continuum is useful to a jury when deciding whether an officer’s use of force was reasonable.
This model is adapted from a United States government publication on use of force. It lists multiple tactics in order from least to most severe, but is only a partial model, as it does not give corresponding degrees of subject resistance.
Verbal command
Handcuff suspect
Use wrist/arm lock
Use takedown
Block/punch/kick
Strike suspect
Wrestle suspect
Pepper spray
Use baton
Use firearm
It can also be broken down into the standard police Use of Force Continuum:
1. Physical Presence
2. Soft Hands
3. Mace or Pepper Spray
(A K-9 unit would fall here)
4. Hard Hands
5. Police Baton, Taser, etc.
6. Threat of Deadly Force
7. Deadly Force
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What is a Citizens Arrest?

What is a Citizens Arrest?
By: Collin McKibben, Attorney at Law & Ariella Rosenberg
Everyone is familiar with the term citizens arrest: we have seen it on TV, read about it in books, and even heard about it in social circles. Surprisingly, however, almost nobody really understands what a citizens arrest is, or legally, what it represents.
A citizen’s arrest is an arrest performed by a civilian who lacks official government authority to make an arrest (as opposed to an officer of the law). An arrest, as defined by Black’s Law Dictionary, is “The apprehending or detaining of a person in order to be forthcoming to answer an alleged or suspected crime.” Ex parte Sherwood, (29 Tex. App. 334, 15 S.W. 812).
Although generally the person making a citizens arrest must be a citizen, in certain states, a citizens arrest can be carried out by a civilian who is not a citizen (for example, an alien or illegal immigrant). A citizens arrest does not necessarily mean an arrest made by a single individual who happens to witness a crime. For example, a department store may also carry out a citizens arrest in the course of apprehending a shoplifter.
Legal Requirements for Making a Citizens Arrest
The right to making a citizens arrest goes back to our roots in English common law. Historically, before the modern infrastructure of police departments, citizen’s arrests were an important part of community law enforcement. Today, citizens arrests are still legal in every state, although state laws pertaining to citizens arrests are not uniform. In general, all states permit citizens arrests if a criminal felony (defined by the government as a serious crime, usually punishable by at least one year in prison) is witnessed by the citizen carrying out the arrest, or if a citizen is asked to help apprehend a suspect by the police. Variations of state law arise in cases of misdemeanors, breaches of the peace, and felonies not witnessed by the arresting party.
For example, California Penal Code mandates:
A private person may arrest another: 1. For a public offense committed or attempted in his presence. 2. When the person arrested has committed a felony, although not in his presence. 3. When a felony has been in fact committed, and he has reasonable cause for believing the person arrested to have committed it. (C.P.C. 837).
In contrast, New York State Consolidated Laws hold that:
Any person may arrest another person (a) for a felony when the latter has in fact committed such felony, and (b) for any offense when the latter has in fact committed such offense in his presence. (N.Y.C.L. 140.30).
Unlike the California statute, which only permits citizens arrests in cases of felony, New York law extends the possibility for making a citizens arrest to any offense committed in [ones] presence. Additionally, in cases where the citizen has not necessarily witnessed the crime being committed, California law allows citizens arrests when a citizen has reasonable cause for believing the person arrested to have committed [a felony], whereas New York law applies only to situations in which person has in fact committed a felony. Distinctions such as these are importantunwarranted citizens arrests can result in repercussions (such as law suits) for well-meaning citizens who attempt to make arrests without understanding local laws. It is important to be familiar with the laws in your particular state should you want to carry out a citizens arrest, or should a citizen try to unlawfully detain you.
Anatomy of a Citizens Arrest
Once a person has committed an offense meriting a citizens arrest (under the applicable state law), the arresting party must follow certain guidelines to detain and deliver to authorities the suspect in question. Acceptable guidelines for carrying out a citizens arrest also vary by state. In general, the arresting party must notify the suspect as to why he or she is being arrested, and may enter the building or private residence where the suspect is residing, using a reasonable amount of force to apprehend the suspect. In California, for example, To make an arrest, a private person, if the offense is a felonymay break open the door or window of the house in which the person to be arrested is, or in which they have reasonable grounds for believing the person to be, after having demanded admittance and explained the purpose for which admittance is desired. (C.P.C., 844). In New York, A person may arrest another person for an offenseat any hour of any day or night. 2. Such person must inform the person whom he is arresting of the reason for such arrest unless he encounters physical resistance, flight or other factors rendering such procedure impractical. 3. In order to effect such an arrest, such person may use such physical force as is justifiable pursuant to subdivision four of section 35.30 of the penal law. (N.Y.C.L. 140.35).
Once the suspect has been taken into custody (by the citizen), it is the citizens responsibility to deliver the suspect to the proper authorities in a timely fashion. In California, A private person who has arrested another for the commission of a public offense must, without unnecessary delay, take the person arrested before a magistrate, or deliver him or her to a peace officer. (C.P.C. 847). In New York, a citizen must also act without unnecessary delay to deliver a suspect to an officer of the law. (N.Y.C.L. 140).
Dangers of Making an Erroneous Citizens Arrest
Making a citizen’s arrest maliciously or with insufficient evidence of wrongdoing by the arrested individual can lead to civil or criminal penalties. Additionally, it is in violation of a suspects rights for a citizen making an arrest to use unnecessary force, to intentionally harm the suspect, to hold the suspect in unsafe conditions, or to delay in turning the suspect over to authorities. A citizen making an arrest is acting in the place of an officer of the law, and as such, is required to uphold the same rights and civil liberties as an officer of the law must uphold.
A citizen who violates a suspects rights, or who violates the applicable state law in detaining the suspect, (for example, arresting a suspect for a misdemeanor when the state statute requires a felony for a citizens arrest), risks being sued or even charged with a crime. Additionally, if it is found that the arresting party did not meet the pertinent state requirements for a citizens arrest, any contraband found on the suspect will have been found illegally, and charges may be dropped entirely.
If you feel that you have been unfairly arrested by a citizen, or if you have been charged with illegally detaining a suspect during an illegitimate citizens arrest, it is important to seek the counsel of an experienced attorney. A good attorney will demonstrate familiarity with state laws, and as such will help you to ensure the best possible outcome of your case.

Who Was That Masked Man? Real-Life Superhero Visits Classes at Helix High!

Originally posted: http://lamesa.patch.com/articles/who-was-that-masked-man-real-life-superhero-visits-helix-high

Photo by Tea Krulos

Photo by Tea Krulos


By Genevieve Suzuki
DCs Guardian is a real life superhero—whose red, white and blue character founded the Skiffytown League of Heroes. As told by Milwaukee-based blog Heroes in the Night, Guardian recently paid a visit to Helix Charter High School, and impressed students and teachers.
“I asked pointed questions about what influences they surround themselves with,” Guardian recalled telling students. “I also talked about their responsibilities: to learn, to be apart of their family, their community and nation. How it takes involvement in being a friend, a son or daughter and even a citizen. It was not all rosy, straight talk about good and bad things that happen.”
The masked man based on Captain America lives in the Washington metro area but spends half the year in Southern California. He doesn’t tell his real name, but his Skiffytown League does real good—organizing community events and aids such groups as Make-A-Wish, The Joyful Heart Foundation, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Army Fisher Houses and the Autism Research Institute.
According to a blog that follows real life superheroes, DC Guardian’s mission is to “roam the streets of Washington D.C. with copies of the nation’s Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence. Explaining to passers-by the importance of their nation’s democracy, DC’s Guardian never reveals his face. He says the reason behind this is to allow black, white, Asian or Hispanic people to see themselves behind the mask.”
While he and his league may be comically costumed, the volunteer work they do is actually quite serious.
Guardian told Heroes that a Helix English teacher found him while she was researching an upcoming class topic—the study of comic books and their influence on reading and personal character development. Although Guardian had only planned to talk to one class, he wound up spending the whole day there, talking to several more classes.
“They had really gone above and beyond to look out for me,” Guardian told Heroes. “I can’t thank them enough.”
Looks like Helix has at least one superhero on its side: “I was honored to be asked there and I would return in a heartbeat if asked again. It gave me much more than I think I gave them.”

Your foundation and peer pressure. . .

We are all surrounded by peer pressure each and every day. . .wether it’s good or bad boils down to your perspective. . .and that peer pressure interacts with your foundation. . .now. . .what do I mean by foundation. . .it’s something like this. . .what lines in the sand do you have. . .what lines won’t you cross. . .what rules won’t you break. . .i often ask what are your three basic rules. . .or the three tenants of your foundation. . .there could be more. . .but you get the idea. . .what do you stand for personnally. . .okay. . .you’ve got what foundation means for this conversation. . .now back to peer pressure. . .peer pressure. . .or influence. . .comes from friends. . .family. . .tv. . .moives. . .books. . .everything that you see. . .touch. . .talk to or listen to. . .everything you surround yourself with. . .question number one. . .do you watch horror movies. . .if the answer is yes. . .write down for yourself. . .what three things. . .positive things. . .do they add to your life. . .do they build upon your foundation. . .or do they take away from your foundation. . . it’s an example. . .not everything in your life adds to your foundation. . .that’s okay. . .but does it take away from it. . .regardless of your age. . .do you have friends that add to or take away from your foundation. . .nothing exists in a vacuume. . .what you surround yourself with affects who and what you are. . .only you can decide if it’s a positive or negative influence. . .so. . .back to question number one. . .what positive things do you receive from horror movies. . .now take it to other areas of your life. . .friends. . .hobbies. . .etc. . . question number two. . .what is your foundation. . .what three things do you hold sacred. . .and. . .does your life support those three things. . .honestly. . .we are all human and we fail sometimes. . .it’s okay. . .but we should strive to support those things we believe in. . .so. . .back to the question. . .what are your three foundations. . .and does your life support them. . .if you are living your life because of peer pressure that does not support your foundation. . .you should talk to anyone. . .that you respect. . .who has some age on them. . .ask them how it turns out. . .nine times out of ten. . .they would probably say you are heading for a fall. . .peer pressure type friends in your life will bail as soon as you disagree with them. . .or when times get tough. . .those types will not usually back you up when you really need them. . .those that support your foundation will probably support you as a friend through thick and thin. . .their called life long friends. . .the kind you can agrue with and come back later and go out to a movie with. . .they will help keep you straight. . .and they will be there when you really need them. . .fame will only last so long. . .being in the click will only last so long. . .build your foundation and surround yourself with those things that support it. . .you may lose friends. . .but if they are going against your foundation. . .if you keep them. . .you’re going to find the cost to yourself personnally is going to be very great. . .you will. . .over time gain and lose many friends. . .regardless of why. . .it’s called life. . .and it’s okay. . .when you have the ability to choose. . .choose those friends and things that add to your foundation. . .not chip away at it. . .life is tough enough. . .you’ve got to work at it to enjoy it. . .make decisions according to your foundation. . .not because it’s the easy way. . .stand your ground when it goes against you. . .and support those that are in line with your own foundation. . .whatever that is. . .if you have a solid foundation. . .most anything that comes into your life will be affected by you. . .not the other way around. . .but it takes work. . .and effort. . .don’t lose hope or faith in yourself. . .it will see you through most any storm. . .
dc
 

Police Invoke Keane Act: Local Superhero Viper Told to GTFO

The Police vs. Viper

The Police vs. Viper

In what is surely just the first shot fired in the inevitable war between the authorities and masked vigilantes, the police of Columbia, Tennessee have demanded that the local superhero, the Viper, cease his activities in the fair southern U.S. city. The move, reported by ABC News, recalls the harsh actions of government authorites in Watchmen, where the notorious Keane Act outlawed all masked crimefighters in the United States. Things aren’t quite as violently oppressive in the quiet city of Columbia – where, the ABC reporter takes care to note, there are many pigeons – but it is very much against the law to wear masks on the street. As such, the mysterious Viper has found himself S.O.L.
Garbed in a Power Rangers-esque costume of green tights and a mask, the Viper told ABC News, “I’m not in it for the ‘wow’ factor.” But while the Viper only wishes to inspire his fellow Columbians to do the right thing, the local police saw things differently. “My future endeavors are limited right now, since i’m confined to headquarters,” he said, deppressingly.
The events in Columbia do not bode well for other real-life superheroes like Phoenix Jones, especially as their flamboyant actions continue to draw attention from the media and perhaps undermine the authority of the police. In any case, ComicsAlliance will continue to monitor the situation.
Xeno be with you, Viper. We join the good citizens of Columbia, Tennessee in awaiting your defiant return to action.
[Via ABC News]

Real Life Superheroes Get Their Own Film

 Photo by Theodore James

Photo by Theodore James


Originally posted: http://current.com/entertainment/movies/blog/92969198_real-life-superheroes-get-their-own-film.htm
Superheroes aren’t just for fiction anymore — no longer restrained to the pages of comic books, the large and growing community of Real Life Super Heroes (RLSH) are on the streets as agents of change — with mixed results. No magical-power infused mega-beings, they do what they can to make a difference in home-made costumes, sometimes armed with pseudo-weapons — as an antidote to the pumped-up versions usually presented in films. And now they’ve been lovingly captured in a film of their own, the documentary Superheroes, which premiered at Slamdance. Producer Theodore James and director Michael Barnett gave us the low-down on the process, the provenance, and what comes next.
Q: Many of these real-life superheroes could be discounted as dorks or weirdos, but by the end of the film you manage to tease out their eloquence. What were the main traits of these people that you wanted to portray in the film? Is there something that you think they all have in common?
MB: There is definitely one thing the whole community has in common, and that’s altruism. I wanted to the audience to leave the film knowing that every single real life superhero does something heroic in his or her own way, to make their communities a better place, regardless of resources.
Q: Do you think they’re escapists?
MB: There is definitely a level of escapism for some RLSH but by and large, after donning the costume and experiencing what it’s like to actually help somebody, most superheroes become deeply entrenched in the notion that they can make a difference, be it big or small, and that seems to be the driving force for most of them. That, and it’s “hella fun,” according to a super hero we know from Clearwater.
Q: Was there any point where you wondered about any of your subjects’ sanity?
MB: Absolutely not! Not even with Master Legend. I think these guys — I’m speaking of the ones in the film, because of course its hard to speak for the whole community — are eccentric dudes and ladies. They put on a costume, and they realize something: That they can step outside of themselves and their lives, and maybe even become iconic in their communities. It really does something for them. Also, they all have day jobs. For example, Zetaman works at a packaging plant, Mr. Extreme is a security guard, Master Legend is an air conditioning repairman, some of them are tattoo artists… But a lot of them are trying to find a way to do it full time.
It’s funny how our culture treats people who calls themselves superheroes– they’re either ridiculed or adored in their community, but never treated with apathy. There are so many news stories are out there on them, and some of them make fun of them, and some celebrate them… But even when just putting a costume on and walking down the street – people will always react to them.
Q: Do they develop relationships in their communities?
MB: It depends, of course. Life helps people around his neighborhood in Harlem — homeless people, for instance. His community knows him well, and he knows his community. But then Mr. Extreme works differently — he listens to the police scanners and then he goes out and patrols the area where he hears there is a lot of criminal activity. The result is that the communities he helps don’t necessarily know him. But he’s still out there on the streets, at least four days a week. We wanted to deconstruct the “superhero” myth, in our society, and then rebuild a sense of what it means to be a real life superhero: Some want to fight crime, and others want to give food out.
TJ: A few of the subjects in the film confront drug dealers and try to bait criminals into committing crimes. During those nights of filming we were all a bit nervous. Thankfully nothing happened to the subjects or the crew.
Q: Many of your subjects never divulge their true identity to you… Did you find this was something that made it hard to build trust between you and your subjects?
MB: The opposite! Making this film has helped me understand that it is not necessary to know somebody’s real name in order to truly know them as a person. If anything, our lack of needing to know their true names helped them open up to us.
Photo by Theodore James

Photo by Theodore James


I think when we approached them and they didn’t tell us their names and bios, we were like “That’s cool, we don’t need them. it’s not part of our story.” Which is different from how reporters react — they need a name to print a story. But what’s a name, really? If someone wants to identify themselves as Mr. Extreme, then that’s who he is, to us. But, for instance in Mr Extreme‘s case, I nonetheless got to know him deeper than the costume. He’s a guy that I’ve gone to a couple times a month over the course of the last however many years, have spent hours on end with talking about his life, his family, and getting to know him. I don’t need a name to truly know him.
Q: How did you come across this subject, in the first place? And what made you decide to make a film about it?
MB: I stumbled upon this vast community online. Go ahead, google Real Life Superheroes. I dare ya!I’ve been a cinematographer for 15 years, and have shot a lot of films. I started directing a few years ago, and was making a film for a TV network that, that Theodore [James, the producer] was producing. He was looking for a project, and I mentioned that I’d been gathering some research on this thing. I turned the research in, to him, and he was amazed. He started doing more research, we got in touch with Mr. Extreme and we went to shoot him. He was the first one to agree to work with us. When we got home and we looked at the footage of him we just knew. We realized that this guy is fascinating, and we could just do a film about him alone! But it expanded: We got in touch with Stan Lee, and when he agreed, the community just fell into place.
Q: Were there any scenes that didn’t make the final cut that you miss terribly?
MB: We had to cut a lot of Zetaman, who is an exceedingly noble and humble guy. The work he does with the homeless is heartbreaking and inspiring. He is a true hero in every sense of the word and I’m bummed that we had to lose segments of his story line in the film. I’m also bummed that we had to lose Master Legend‘s “House of Death” scene. Keep an eye out for the DVD, it will definitely be on there!

Seattle's superhero suffers broken nose

Originally posted: http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2011/01/12/Seattles-superhero-suffers-broken-nose/UPI-39361294857957/
SEATTLE, Jan. 12 (UPI) — Seattle’s real-life masked crime fighter said one man pointed a gun at him and another broke his nose when he intervened in their argument.
The caped crusader known to the public as Phoenix Jones said he was attempting to stop a heated argument between two men from turning violent during the weekend when one of the men pulled a gun on him, ABC News reported Wednesday.
Jones said the other man struck him, breaking his nose, before both suspects fled.
Police said dressing up like superheroes is not illegal in Seattle, but they worry about the safety of those who heed the call to Justice, like Phoenix and his colleagues in the Rain City Superheroes.
“Our concern is if it goes badly, then we end up getting called anyway, and we may have additional victims,” Detective Mark Jamieson said.
Jones said he began dressing up and patrolling the streets after his young son was injured by broken glass from some teenagers attempting to break into his car.
“Teenagers are running down the street, breaking into cars, and no one does anything? Where’s the personal accountability?” he said.

Real life superheroes create ethical movement

Originally posted: http://www.piercepioneer.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticlePrinterFriendly&uStory_id=46c43117-59d4-4394-93c3-ef5f3be9c57d
Throughout Washington heroes are deciding to join “The Real Life Superhero Movement” to do more than keep locals safe
By: Amy Johnson
Posted: 1/27/11
Something epic is happening in the late night, city streets of Washington. Footing around areas like Seattle, Kent and Vancouver are some do-gooders who tackle crime, lend helping hands, bring hope and spread inspiration throughout the night.
What makes these good samaritans unique from all the rest is that they fulfill those tasks while in costume, more specifically in custom superhero costumes.
With names like Knight Owl, SkyMan and White Baron, these “superheroes” are more than what meets the eye.
They don’t pretend to be fantasy like or to have super human power, they are simply real-life heroes making an ethical movement. These ordinary fellows are dedicated to an extraordinary project called “The Real Life Superhero Movement.”
The Real Life Superhero Movement is a community of “superheroes” from all across the United States dedicated to inspiring and connecting to one another and the public.
Reallifesuperheroes.com describes the project to be, “a living, breathing community that inspires people to become the positive forces for change we all can be. To become more active, more involved, more committed, and perhaps, a little super in the process.”
Though they stay in contact with one another and often patrol together, they are all very independent from each other.
There are many “superheroes” that devote themselves to Washington communities, and a few of those heroes recently met up in Seattle to do some charity and crime patrolling.
Knight Owl, who has been a Real Life Superhero for three years, patrols and works in the Vancouver and Portland areas. His name was not inspired by “The Watchman,” but by more personal reasons.
“Knight as in a chivalrous knight. Their history is something that is really inspirational to me. The ‘Owl’ comes from seeking after wisdom and knowledge,” he said.
Knight Owl is training to be a paramedic. He is EMT and firefighter certified.
SkyMan patrols and works in the Kent area and he received the nickname from his former high school football coach. A former student of Highline Community College, SkyMan is working on transferring to UW Tacoma to study political science and U.S. history.
“I aspire to be a teacher so I can teach youth the importance of history,” SkyMan stated. “Education is necessary.”
Icarus has been a Real Life Superhero for about a year and patrols areas of Oregon. Previously a small-time actor, Icarus now attends EMT school. Icarus also has a history of doing charity work.
“Back when I was doing some acting I helped to raise money at some benefit productions,” Icarus said.
The Dreamer has been a part-time superhero since 2007. He patrols in the Seattle area at night and attends work and school during the day.
White Barron also patrols in Seattle. He has been a “superhero” for two years and is training to be a pilot. He currently has his pilot’s license.
“I would really like to work in the search and rescue field,” he said. His “superhero” name and costume are both inspired by his fascination with aviation.
On a typical night, the heroes will patrol certain areas that they believe are in need of some looking after. Often they will patrol in groups, but sometimes they are alone. They keep their eyes out for anyone who may need help. Whether it be a typical bar fight that needs to be intervened or a homeless person in need of some supplies, the heroes are there to help.
They are all trained in CPR and are Red Cross certified. Most of the real life superheroes also have background experience, like martial arts or military work.
They often carry supplies with them, like first aid kits, to be prepared for any situation that may arise. Not only do they hand out socks and water to the homeless, but they also make a great effort to get to know each of them so that they may further help them.
“Some encounters can be depressing,” said The Dreamer. “You just wish you could do more outreach.”
“A frequent misconception about what we do, is that people expect that our nights are filled with extreme action, or that we are looking for that,” stated Knight Owl. “In reality, we hardly come across an extreme situation and we are not thrilled to find them either.”
There are some who don’t take these superheroes seriously. As they walk around Seattle in their costumes some bystanders antagonize them.
“They look at me like I’m a joke. I mean I’ve had garbage thrown at me, people yelling curses at me or just trying to pick a fight. Some people just don’t like it when others are trying to help,” Icarus said.
“We often see the bystander effect, where people are afraid of helping others, afraid to get involved,” Knight Owl said.
These heroes refuse to stand by and do nothing when someone is in need of help.
“How many times a day do you pass over someone who needs help and it is at no cost to you to help them?” Knight Owl asked.
The Real Life Superheroes explained that their costumes aren’t for personal attention.
“Our costumes are very functional. Some heroes also work as gadgeteers for others,” said White Baron.
“It also helps to bring attention to what we are doing. Not to anyone specific, but just so that our actions and helping hands are recognized for the purpose of inspiring others,” Knight Owl said.
The costumes help citizens feel more comfortable, when being approached, if they can recognize who the “superhero” is. The heroes also get to have a little fun with their costumes too.
“You have to have a sense of humor,” The Dreamer said.
“I don’t take myself too seriously,” Knight Owl said.
When asked about the possibility of a super villain movement forming, Knight Owl replied,
“I don’t believe in super villains. You are either a criminal or you are not.”