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Security Forces starts new community policing program

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 325th Security Forces Squadron here kicked off their new community policing program earlier this month with the new police station in Wood Manor Housing; the only one of its kind in the whole Air Force.

Donated by Balfour Betty, the house located on 2583A Sabre Dr. now serves as a focal point for project operations and a place where members of the community can report incidents or just stop by to say "hi," said Staff Sgt. Kelly Turner, 325th SFS NCO in charge of the community police services.

"The program is aimed to build rapport between security forces and base-housing residents by taking a more active and visual role in the community," said Sergeant Turner.

This station is manned seven days a week during daylight hours and is staffed by a seven-person team.

With the office in base housing, it is more convenient for the public to seek assistance.

"We wanted to have a presence in the community and give family housing occupants a place to report an incident without having to drive to the law enforcement desk," said the sergeant.

The police station also conducts random anti-terrorism measures by utilizing various patrol methods.

"To cover as much area as possible, the patrolmen have four bicycles, two boats, all-terrain vehicles and utility terrain vehicles.

By instilling the program, the squadron seeks to bring a more traditional police role.

"The concept behind this comes back to grassroots policing where the officer is a part of the community, therefore a proactive force instead of simply riding around a patrol car outside of the community as a reactive force," said Maj. David Boyd, 325th SFS commander.

Since the open house, more than 20 KID ID's have been made. KID IDs is another program offered by the station.

"This program offers photo, finger printing and all pertinent child information for military families printed on ID cards," said Senior Airman Ryan Regan, 325th SFS community police patrolman.

While the community police station team is going to be armed, the substation is not meant to replace the law enforcement desk, but to assist it.

"People can report incidents to us, but for emergencies, they should still call 911," said Sergeant Turner.

For more information on Tyndall's new community police station, call 850-286-1414.