| Role | Peacekeeping • disaster response • crime defense |
| Type | Community-based |
| Existence | Worldwide |
| Comparison | Cross between police and military forces |
| Membership | Voluntary |
| Organization level | Local |
| Relationship to society | Fosters strong ties • local autonomy • issues with unequal power • contributes to vigilante violence |
| Organizational variations | Varying roles and impact |
