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McConnell AFB adds new dimension to crime prevention

  • Published
Security forces at McConnell AFB have added a new dimension to crime prevention in base housing.

No, the base isnt using high-tech gizmos costing thousands of dollars. Instead, base officials have turned to the common bicycle, operated by security forces volunteers.

We use volunteers to save our manpower for day-to-day operations, said Tech. Sgt. Brian Curtis, 22nd Security Forces Squadron police services noncommissioned officer in charge. It wasnt hard getting volunteers, either.

Sergeant Curtis said he e-mailed squadron members and attended guard mounts, which netted him 25 volunteers almost immediately.

One volunteer is Staff Sgt. Joel Willis, 22nd SFS military working dog trainer. Sergeant Willis plans on riding on the Bicycle Patrol on a regular basis.

I wanted to do my part in making the housing area a crime free area for the children, he said.

I ride for my son, too, he said, noting that his son attends school at Wineteer and rides his bike to school.

Once again, our outstanding Security Forces Squadron sets the standard, said Col. Cathy Clothier, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander. These dedicated professionals are even volunteering their precious off-duty time to protect us and our assets. Give them an enthusiastic Hoohah when you see them.

Now that school has started, the patrols will be conducted before and after school, and on weekends. Volunteers pull four-hour shifts and patrol areas where there have been problems in the past.

Well take a spin around the bus stops on school mornings, said Sergeant Curtis.

Family member Holli Kelley said that she has seen the bike patrol out and about, and its a good thing. It makes me feel that my child is safer, she said.

Riding the bike actually adds some versatility to the officer, too.

A bicycle can travel many places a patrol car cant, said Sergeant Curtis. I dont think anyone can out run a bicycle either. But fighting crime on the streets isnt what the bike patrol is about, although they will respond when needed.

Our two main objectives are community policing and being more visible, more accessible, Sergeant Curtis said.

Maj. Laura Soule, 22nd SFS commander, said the bike patrol is a great community policing opportunity.

Our goal is to be proactive and bring the cops to housing residents rather than sit back and simply react to phone calls we receive, she said.

Sergeant Curtis feels the community looks at him and policing differently when hes on the bicycle.

I think people talk to me more when Im on the bike, they see me as being more assessable ... theres not that police car between us, he said.

Sergeant Curtis said having four children himself makes him a children person, and he likes interacting with the children he sees on the street.

Sometimes they will run away when I stop in the squad car, but again, a bike is non-threatening, so usually they hang around to talk, Sergeant Curtis said.

According to Major Soule, thats exactly what she wants to accomplish with the bike patrol.

We want our youth to realize we are on their side and that they can approach us with their problems and concerns, said the major.

This sort of policing is just more fun, added Sergeant Curtis.

It might be more fun, but the bike patrol is still in the business of policing the neighborhood, and the bike patrol will respond to a radio call if needed. The volunteers who ride are badge holders just like any other law enforcement patrol on any other Air Force base.

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