Deviants beware: New camera system provides security for off-base housing

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Travis Beihl
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
The 81st Security Forces Squadron demonstrated the security capabilities of new high-tech cameras during a ribbon cutting at the West Falcon off base housing area, Dec. 15, 2017.

The cameras are installed at the entrances of Thrower Park and East and West Falcon which add a layer of surveillance for Keesler’s off-base housing areas.

“The system we've emplaced is capable of video recording on a continuous basis with no interruption,” said Maj. Jonathon Murray, 81st Security Forces Squadron commander. “The cameras can be elevated and zoom in as needed. Additionally, the video recording is able to be saved and used for security and law enforcement.”

Col. Debra Lovette, 81st Training Wing commander, was given a firsthand demonstration of the capabilities of the security cameras and was excited to see the steps taken to ensure the safety of Keesler families.

“Today we commemorate the unveiling of these amazing security cameras which will aid our fight against nefarious individuals in our off-base housing areas,” said Lovette. “We have been working with Hunt Housing to make sure we cover the necessary areas in our off-base housing. This is one step in our plan to bolster the technology available to our security forces along with solving the security issues that have been brought to our attention by our Airmen and their families.”

Murray and base leadership received feedback from several residents about safety in off-base housing and wanted to make sure those voices were being heard and steps were taken to quell concerns.

“I'd like to reassure all housing residents that we are concerned with everyone's safety,” Murray said. “Our Defenders take great pride in knowing that our mission is to detect, deter, and defend against any threat to the base and its personnel. Our off-base housing areas present a challenge that we are continuing to address. These cameras are another step in that direction.”

The housing areas are not the only places Keesler is making security upgrades. Col. Danny Davis, 81st Mission Support Group commander, explained what Keesler can expect in the near future.

“The new cameras in our off-base housing areas are merely one step of a multi-phased approach to upgrading security on Keesler Air Force Base,” Davis said. “These half-a-million dollars in improvements will culminate in the most historical security upgrade since the installation was opened in 1941 and will allow us to counter 21st century anti-terrorism and force protection threats confronting today's Air Force.”

Although crimes cannot be completely prevented, Murray made a bold statement to those who may want to commit those crimes in these off-base housing areas.

“These cameras should serve as a warning to all personnel thinking about committing a criminal act within our off-base housing areas,” Murray said. “With the emplacement of this system, if someone commits an act, we will have the exact time they came into the housing areas, what vehicle they drove, and their picture. The end result is that anyone committing a criminal act, we will see you, and we will find you.”

If anyone sees anything suspicious, please call the Base Defense Operations Center at 377-3040.