Patrol the streets with security forces

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stephan Coleman
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Armor and weapon-clad Airmen enter formation as the flight chief begins his guard mount briefing for the night shift. Roll is called, assignments are given and weapons are cleared before the officers saddle up for patrols and gate guard duties.

The security forces ride-along program is exactly what it sounds like, and it's open to anyone who wants to learn what it's like to be a part of the base police force.

"It's good for other career fields to see what we do," said Tech Sgt. Matthew Gormely, 81st Security Forces Squadron. "Most people don't understand that when we're doing our job right, nothing happens."

Senior Airman Matthew Ingledew, 81st SFS, checked his vehicle's lights, sirens, radio, speaker and engine for working order. Once everything was checked, he called it in for confirmation.

"This job is a lot of watching and waiting, and being at the right place at the right time," said Ingledew. "We enforce the laws, but it's mostly about prevention."

Throughout the shift, there are random anti-terrorism measures and other selective actions that need to be completed at the officer's discretion, but at any time they can be called away by dispatch or interrupted by suspicious activity.

"As a mid-shift cop, I'm 'fishing,'" said Ingledew. "Day-shift cops stop people to write tickets. I stop people at night for headlights out or expired tags and maybe I go up to him and he's super intoxicated. That's how we get them. Probable cause is everything."

In the middle of a building check, Ingledew was called to the Triangle to assist Officer Maurice Mathis, 81st SFS, in a traffic stop. If a vehicle or individual is acting reasonably suspicious, they can be stopped by an officer.

"He kept swerving in and out of my lane," said Mathis. "Then, he stopped where there isn't a stop sign. Four people in that car and he's swerving everywhere--I'm pulling that car over. I called for backup because they had another car following them. I get the driver's information, kept my spotlight on them, made sure to leave my fingerprints on the back of the car as a standard precaution. But, I called in his information and everything checked out."

The steps of a traffic stop are geared toward security. Even if the car turns out to be full of sober tech schoolers, officers need to have the upper hand. The use of spotlights and flashlights keep the suspects subdued and exposed. And, leaving fingerprints links the officer to the vehicle in case anything happens to him, explained Ingledew.

"People think that because it's a military base, it's completely safe," said Ingledew. "But, there is still crime, and you never know when to expect it. I can't just walk up to these cars with zero suspicion."

Day shifts generally deal with traffic accidents, civilian traffic and shoplifting, while night shifts deal mostly with noise complaints, assaults and alcohol-related crimes, said Gormely.

Even if crime is lacking, a two-hour ride-along can easily become six hours long for those interested in the diverse checklist items. Building checks, foot patrols and random calls fill the night quickly.

Ride-along passengers don't get to interact when criminal activity does occur, but they do get to witness the action. It's possible during time as a passenger to see all the areas that security forces patrols--which is basically everywhere--and learn how difficult it is for anyone to get away with criminal activity on base.

"Nobody ever expects us to show up to the random spots they mess around in, especially not visitors to the base," said Ingledew. "What people don't realize is that this is our base. We have all night every night to drive around here and get to know all the places that people go for shenanigans."

It isn't required for security forces to have the program nor is it required for any Airman to take part, so not many people experience this particular learning opportunity. But it can be mutually beneficial for Airman and security forces.

"The ride-along program gives non-security forces Airmen exposure to the career field," said Capt. Christopher Porta, 81st SFS operations manager. "Security Forces is pretty unique in comparison to the rest of the Air Force, and the program gives greater insight into their components in the Air Force mission."