325th SFS augments certified police officers

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Vesta M. Anderson
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Police officers with prior law enforcement experience have been hired to augment deployed 325th Security Forces Squadron patrolmen beginning this year.

Due to the high rate of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom deployments, five certified police officers have been hired to conduct day to day patrolling responsibilities to help with security force's extreme manning shortages and lack of continuity, said Capt. Michael Bernatt, 325th SFS operations officer.

The initiation of this program is Air Force wide. Applicants submitted their names July 2007 and the Department of Defense began hiring December 2007.

"These are not contractors," said Captain Bernatt. "The Air Force police are hired as permanent additions to the career field. It's unknown at this time if the Air Force will increase the size and scope of the program."

These police officers are responsible for the same duties as an active-duty patrolman and are required to complete the same necessary training.

"Training has been ongoing since January 2008, the training consists of law enforcement and security procedures such as traffic stops, alarm activations and bomb threats," said Captain Bernatt.

The program adds to the experience of Tyndall Air Force Base's law enforcement patrols.

"Our Air Force police officers are all prior DOD or civilian law enforcement officers and bring with them a high level of professionalism and experience," said Captain Bernatt. "We are glad to have them."