Security forces start new community policing program Published Dec. 23, 2008 By Senior Airman Anthony J. Hyatt 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 325th Security Forces Squadron kicked off their new community policing program earlier this month with a new police station in Wood Manor Housing; the only of its kind in the Air Force. A house donated by Balfour Betty now serves as the police station, and focal point, for project operations and a place where members of the community can report incidents or just stop by to say "hi," said Staff Sgt. Kelly Turner, 325th SFS non-commissioned officer in charge of the community police services. "The program is aimed to build rapport between security forces and base-housing residents by taking a more active and visual role in the community," said Sergeant Turner. This station is manned seven days a week during daylight hours and is staffed by a seven-person team. With the main office in base housing, it is more convenient for the public to seek assistance. "We wanted to have a presence in the community and give family housing occupants a place to report an incident without having to drive to the law enforcement desk," said the sergeant. The police station also conducts random anti-terrorism measures by using various patrol methods. The patrolmen have four bicycles, two boats, all-terrain vehicles and utility terrain vehicles to cover as much as area as possible. By instilling the program, the squadron seeks to bring a more traditional police role. "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 in a patrol car outside of the community as a reactive force," said Maj. David Boyd, 325th SFS commander. "KID identification cards" is another program offered by the station. Since the open house, more than 20 KID ID's have been made. "This program offers photo, finger printing and all pertinent child information for military families printed on ID cards," said Senior Airman Ryan Regan, 325th SFS community police patrolman. The community police station team will be armed, however, 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.