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Elite security forces unit protect, preserve Tyndall shores

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  When Maj. David Boyd took command of the 325th Security Forces Squadron in June 2008, he had big plans in mind. One of his dreams was to establish a section of troops who would solely monitor base housing and the Tyndall coastline.

With less than two years under their belt, the community police have broken barriers, created trust, instituted several programs, and enacted a state-of-the-art water patrol. Only the best of the best are selected for the opportunity to become part of the team.

"It's a pretty strenuous hiring process," said Staff Sgt. Amos Parker, 325th Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of community police. "(Applicants) have to have at least one deployment under [their] belt to be accepted for the job. You also have to have the utmost customs and courtesies, your appearance in uniform must be sharp, and you have to set the standard and exceed it."

Once accepted into the program, individuals are assigned a new dress code. They are issued a Tyndall Police white polo and navy blue cargo pants for maritime operations and to display a friendlier appearance for interaction with the public.

"A lot of times people associate law enforcement with a white Chevrolet Impala and flashing blue lights and a patrolman standing next to a vehicle," said Airman 1st Class Steven Dickey, 325th Security Forces Squadron community policeman. "They also associate that with two things, obviously a citation, but also negativity. What we are trying to do is eliminate that stigma and build trust in the community."

Community police patrol Tyndall utilizing six bikes, two dune buggies, two all-terrain vehicles, four boats and two jet-skis. The officers take advantage of every opportunity they have for face-to face-interaction with residents.

"Every morning, we do a bus stop rotation," said Airman Dickey. "We walk every bus stop to make sure kids are getting on the bus and they are safe."

They have also implemented an I.D. program for children.

"Basically, what it entails is the parents will come in and speak to us for a few minutes," said Airman Dickey. "We will gather the child's information: name, age, blood type, eye color, scars, anything that describes the child specifically. So, if anything were to happen to the child, the mother and father, or guardian can come to us with the I.D. and we can automatically inform dispatch."

The community police have more than 350 children in their database and try to have a sign-up station at every event they attend.

"What also makes it special is if there were an Amber alert and the child was not on base, we can take the information from the database and send it electronically to the sheriff's department," said Sergeant Parker. "What that does is cut down on time because when you have a missing child situation, time is a huge factor."

Also among the programs are the neighborhood watch, a free self defense class and National Night Out.

When it comes to water patrol, the job is no less serious.

"We are responsible for 129 miles of coastline," Sergeant Parker said. "We have several boats that we use for random anti-terrorism measures, two jet skis which enable us rapid response time, that we can actually beach if required, and if the weather is severe and we cannot make it into the water, we also have the ATVs and dune buggies that allow us to still accomplish the mission."

"A large amount of coastline is not typical of a regular Air Force base," Airman Dickey said. "Most bases have a physical deterrent like fences or gates; we obviously have that as well but a large percentage of our south side is coastline. So, a constant law enforcement presence is crucial; it has to be done."

Overall, Major Boyd's vision has been a major success and his motivation to go above and beyond has left a huge impact on his troops.

"Major Boyd embodies Air Force traditionalism and standards and has innate leadership qualities," said Airman Dickey. "I have the utmost confidence in any decision he makes as a commander or as a leader. I thank him for this opportunity; this section has been a great experience."