Barksdale's 'Citizens on Patrol'

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alexandra M. Boutte
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  People may notice familiar faces checking I.D. cards and smoother traffic flow at the installation gates starting March 5 due to a new 2nd Security Forces Squadron program - "Citizens on Patrol."

"Security forces received several requests for volunteers to assist the unit; however, the nature of what we do prohibits personnel from participating," said Lt. Col. JonPaul Mickle, 2 SFS commander. "Most of our requests are for volunteerism that is more action oriented. To support that initiative, we created the Citizens on Patrol effort to help the community during rush-hour traffic in the mornings coming onto the installation."

The new program provides wing and Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen the opportunity to integrate with other base agencies and involve themselves with law enforcement and base security.

"Citizens on Patrol allows other units to participate in something new," said Staff Sgt. Matthew Jones, 2 SFS Police Services staff NCO. "This volunteer opportunity allows Airmen to step outside of their career field and give them a better understanding of the importance of base protection."

The volunteers will help ensure Airmen's safety while increasing the level of convenience for all.

"With the on-going mission changes at Barksdale and the growth of our population, we are experiencing predictable surges and delays at our installation gates in the morning," Colonel Mickle said. "The math is simple - we either need more people at our existing gates, staggering shift reporting or new gates with additional lanes and more people. What the public will see is a balance of force protection with the need for access."

Volunteers receive training on a variety of topics including ID card checks, screening vehicles and emergency situations such as gate runners and improvised explosive device situations. Security forces members also instructed them on reinforcing seatbelts and prohibiting cell phones usage without hands-free capability.

Volunteers are required to work at least 10 hours at the gates performing in one-hour increments, Monday through Friday to help alleviate traffic backups.

"The 2nd Bomb Wing Commander, Col. Timothy Fay, will evaluate the support this program receives from the public and offer a B-52H incentive flight for the most hours volunteered if we can sustain our efforts," Colonel Mickle said.

Personnel can volunteer for the Citizens on Patrol program by contacting the 2 SFS Police Services at 456-3508. All volunteers must be active duty, guardsmen, reservists or civilian government employees.