Operation Crime Stop kicks off at MacDill
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --
Team MacDill has a new resource available when it comes to reporting crime - dial 828-3324 to reach Operation Crime Stop.
Operation Crime Stop is an Air Force-wide program and gives the public the opportunity to report suspected or actual crimes and remain anonymous.
Anonymous crime reports can include school crimes such as persistent bullying, domestic violence, suspicious activity, threatening acts or behavior, possession of weapons and the use or sale of illegal drugs.
"We realized that these programs are needed; the community knows that we can help them and it's just about getting back to the basics," said Tech. Sgt. Adrian Samuel, 6th Security Forces Squadron gate operations NCO in charge.
Operation Crime Stop differs from Eagle Eyes, as Eagle Eyes is directed more toward antiterrorism--such as seeing someone sitting outside the front gate taking pictures or counting people entering in the morning.
When you call (828-3324), Security Forces Airmen know someone is ready to report a crime in a MacDill neighborhood.
"It's a dedicated hotline that allows the base populace to take a more active role in preventing crime in their neighborhoods," said Staff Sgt. Swen Swearingen, 6th Security Forces Squadron crime prevention NCO in charge.
It takes more than just Security Forces for the program to prevent crime.
"We need community involvement - that's the only way this program will work," said Samuel. "Report anything, whether or not it's your own children or spouse. That's why we make it anonymous."
Anonymity is a big part of having the separate line for callers.
"A lot of the times you'll have the bystander effect," said Swearingen. "You see something happen and you're just so shocked and worried about reprisal or the person committing the crime seeing you, and then you suffer for it.
"Our main job is to prevent crime, not to get anybody in trouble. We're going to do everything we can to prevent it before it even happens."
Security Forces Airmen review the calls each week to see if there are any trends in the crimes being committed.
"If we notice that there's more vandalism, people's cars being broken into in a certain area we're going to take steps to prevent that," Swearingen said. "A lot of people think military bases are 100 percent secure, that crime doesn't happen at all on base and that's not true at all.
"We see a lot of property stolen out of people's cars just because they leave their door unlocked."
In addition to a dedicated phone line, Operation Crime Stop will help discourage burglary in the home and involves the owner marking their property with an identifying number.
Those wanting certain items registered can call to schedule an appointment to get their equipment engraved. The Tampa Police Department also offers assistance and is available for those who may not live on base and would like to register their valuables.
Operation Crime Stop is an Air Force-wide program and gives the public the opportunity to report suspected or actual crimes and remain anonymous.
Anonymous crime reports can include school crimes such as persistent bullying, domestic violence, suspicious activity, threatening acts or behavior, possession of weapons and the use or sale of illegal drugs.
"We realized that these programs are needed; the community knows that we can help them and it's just about getting back to the basics," said Tech. Sgt. Adrian Samuel, 6th Security Forces Squadron gate operations NCO in charge.
Operation Crime Stop differs from Eagle Eyes, as Eagle Eyes is directed more toward antiterrorism--such as seeing someone sitting outside the front gate taking pictures or counting people entering in the morning.
When you call (828-3324), Security Forces Airmen know someone is ready to report a crime in a MacDill neighborhood.
"It's a dedicated hotline that allows the base populace to take a more active role in preventing crime in their neighborhoods," said Staff Sgt. Swen Swearingen, 6th Security Forces Squadron crime prevention NCO in charge.
It takes more than just Security Forces for the program to prevent crime.
"We need community involvement - that's the only way this program will work," said Samuel. "Report anything, whether or not it's your own children or spouse. That's why we make it anonymous."
Anonymity is a big part of having the separate line for callers.
"A lot of the times you'll have the bystander effect," said Swearingen. "You see something happen and you're just so shocked and worried about reprisal or the person committing the crime seeing you, and then you suffer for it.
"Our main job is to prevent crime, not to get anybody in trouble. We're going to do everything we can to prevent it before it even happens."
Security Forces Airmen review the calls each week to see if there are any trends in the crimes being committed.
"If we notice that there's more vandalism, people's cars being broken into in a certain area we're going to take steps to prevent that," Swearingen said. "A lot of people think military bases are 100 percent secure, that crime doesn't happen at all on base and that's not true at all.
"We see a lot of property stolen out of people's cars just because they leave their door unlocked."
In addition to a dedicated phone line, Operation Crime Stop will help discourage burglary in the home and involves the owner marking their property with an identifying number.
Those wanting certain items registered can call to schedule an appointment to get their equipment engraved. The Tampa Police Department also offers assistance and is available for those who may not live on base and would like to register their valuables.
