LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
In an effort to create a safer living environment, 1st Security Forces Squadron personnel are teaming up with the York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit to streamline security operations throughout the base housing community.
In early November, Landings at Langley at Bethel Manor residents will notice several changes in daily 1st SFS operations.
Changes will include: posted "privatized property notification signs" at the main entry gate; the discontinuation of gate guards; an increase in mobile police patrols; the implementation of an aggressive Neighborhood Watch Program; accessibility through all entry points for the convenience of housing residents and to decrease congestion during the work-day rush hour and emergency response times.
"... Increased security measures are an integral step in evolving the housing community from a government-run district to a privatized organization," said Senior Master Sgt. Craig Williams, 1st SFS Police Services.
The 1st Fighter Wing commander's decision to discontinue military identification checks at the housing community entry points was governed by the opportunity for higher visibility and frequent patrols among the more than 1,400 housing units.
"We have selected a cadre of 18 security forces personnel dedicated to providing 24-hour security coverage for the housing area," said Sergeant Williams. "Because the majority of these individuals are also housing residents, they are familiar with the area and can provide the community with familiar faces."
Patti McSherry, 1st CES Housing Office, agrees familiar faces will provide a sense of security for younger residents, who perceive 1st SFS patrolmen as "good guys."
"It reminds me of the days when there was one policeman for each neighborhood," she said. "He became familiar with the children, and the children knew him and viewed him as a role model. If children have respect for their patrolmen, they are less likely to engage in mischief and more likely to trust them when something goes wrong."
In addition, when the same patrolmen are on duty, they also become familiar with the children and their habits - they know which children are prone to mischief and those who are not. This can be helpful in solving crime-related cases quickly, said Sergeant Williams.
"We strongly believe this decision will improve security at the Landings at Langley at Bethel Manor, and continue to make our community an enjoyable, safe place to reside and raise a family," said Richard Moynihan, 1st Civil Engineer Squadron.
Naturally, when people see more patrol cars within their residential community they assume it is response to a particular crime-related activity, such as gangs - that is not so in this case, said Deputy 1st Class Mike Russell, York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention specialist. "Despite rumors amongst residents, statistically, there is no evidence of any gangs residing in Landings at Langley at Bethel Manor."
To prevent gang-related misdemeanors within the community, Deputy Russell suggested training courses, provided by the crime prevention unit, for all residents as well as periodic seminars to arm them with the tools they need to protect their district.
"If parents are oblivious to the signs and symptoms associated with gang members, how can they fully understand what is going on with their children?" said Deputy Russell. "When your eyes are opened, you will recognize the symptoms and be able to handle the issues at hand. The gang awareness training is good for any community."
To supplement the training courses, the York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit will assist housing residents with standing up an aggressive Neighborhood Watch program based on the current Mayor's Council concept. Deputy Russell and coworker Deputy Aaron Rosen will provide initial training in home security, crime analysis and reporting practices; thereafter, Council members are responsible for maintaining structure, communication and continuity.
The unit will facilitate the establishment of the program, but ultimately, the program belongs to the neighborhood, said Deputy Russell. The only foreseeable challenge is the constant movement of military members to and from Langley, which could make it more difficult to maintain continuity among program leaders.
Finally, 1st SFS personnel will open five additional gates to Landings at Langley at Bethel Manor, which will provide more direct routes for housing residents and emergency responders. This also potentially saves each resident living in the outskirts of the housing community five minutes of driving.
With unlimited access to the housing area some residents may feel anxious about potential exposure to outside crime.
"To put their minds at ease, York-Poquoson Sheriffs and 1st SFS personnel will monitor the surrounding area and increase police presence if necessary," said Sergeant Williams. "The changes are all positives for our housing residents, but with every change, it will take time to adjust."