Security Forces to launch community policing program

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Timothy R. Capling
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 325th Security Forces Squadron is scheduled to begin a new community policing program Sept. 1 with the opening of a community police station in Wood Manor housing.

The program is aimed to build a rapport between security forces and base-housing residents by taking a more active and visual role in the community, said Staff Sgt. Kelly Turner, 325th Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of community police services.

"Some of the different things we're going to be doing are conducting random anti-terrorism measures by utilizing various patrol methods," said Sergeant Turner.

The community police station is going to be set up in a house donated by Balfour Beatty located at 2583A Sabre Drive. It will serve as a focal point for project operations and a place where members of the community can report incidents or just stop in to say "hi," said Sergeant Turner.

"It's going to be manned seven days a week during daylight hours and will be staffed by a seven-person team," said Sergeant Turner.

The patrols are projected to have four bicycles, two boats, all-terrain vehicles and utility terrain vehicles to enable patrolmen to cover as much area as possible, while remaining visible.

"Our whole intent is to help make the community more proactive," said Capt. Michael Bernatt, 325th SFS operations officer. "The essence of the program is getting back to being more face-to-face."

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

"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. Woody Boyd, 325th SFS commander.

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.

Sergeant Turner said they're planning on having a ribbon cutting ceremony and barbecue to celebrate the opening of the station, but the date is yet to be determined.

"Feel free to come by and introduce yourself," she said. "Shake our hands; we want to get to know you."