It doesn't say in the article anywhere what their responsibilities would be in terms of "patrolling". Are they just walking around with a bullhorn yelling at drug dealers and calling in incidents to the police, or what?
If the cops could dependably keep them (or any other patrolling group) on a tight leash and make sure they're not trying to recruit or beat people up, then it would be ok. However, it sounds like the cops are stretched thin enough as it is, which is why they're hiring these guys.