Keep eyes open, report suspicious activity

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
The gates of an installation can provide a sense of security; however, individuals should always remain mindful of their surroundings.

“It is important for people to remain aware of their surroundings to ensure they safeguard not only themselves, but ensure the safety of their families, the protection of government property and the welfare of all individuals living in the family housing areas,” said Tech. Sgt. Chad Byall, 81st Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of investigations. “Just because there is an impasse fence around a housing area doesn't mean you are safe from crime on base or in off-base housing.”

The 81st SFS Investigations Section uses crime mapping and in-house tools to develop trend analysis in order to direct community policing. Maintaining situational awareness and reporting suspicious activity aids Security Forces in developing an in-depth trend analysis.

“Please report anything out of the ordinary to the Base Defense Operations Center,” said Seth Giddens, 81st SFS antiterrorism officer. “The defense of the installation falls to all individuals who work and live on Keesler [and its satellite housing areas]. It is our duty to report suspicious activity in order to defeat the threat of criminal and possible terrorist activity. Remember to utilize the ‘5 W’ format when reporting suspicious activity to security forces.”

To report suspicious activity use the 5 W’s format provide:
* Who is involved in the suspicious activity to include clothing, race, gender, approximate height and weight, hair and eye color. For vehicles provide the color, make, model, approximate year and most importantly the license plate number and state
* What the individual(s) or vehicle(s) is/are doing
* Where the suspicious activity is observed
* When the suspicious activity was observed
* Why the activity seems suspicious

“I would encourage individuals to report any suspicious activity no matter how insignificant they think it might be,” Giddens said. “Simply assuming or ignoring it causes delayed reporting and decreases the chances of identifying the suspicious individual and their intentions of being in the housing areas. In today's ever-evolving world, terrorist and lone wolf activities are increasing. Though the threat may be low, reporting suspicious activity could potentially deny or disrupt surveillance and information collecting on military assets and personnel.”

Individuals should call BDOC and SF investigations to report suspicious activities. The BDOC contact numbers are (228) 377-3040, (228) 377-3044 or (228) 377-3045. The SF investigation team contact numbers are (228)-376-6613, (228) 377-6612, (228) 377-6622 or (228) 377-6648. Sandhill Landing residents should call the Gautier Police Department (228) 497-2486. Additionally, the Biloxi Police Department contact number is (228)-392-0641.

The BDOC and SF Investigations should be the first agencies to call for reporting suspicious activity. If there is an emergency dial 911.