Luncheon fosters teamwork among law agencies

  • Published
  • By Noel Getlin
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The long arm of the law just got a little longer as the 96th Security Forces Squadron and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations reached out to community lawmen. 

Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies joined military agencies from Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field at the enlisted club March 20 for what they plan to be a quarterly luncheon. 

"Our goal of the quarterly law enforcement luncheon is to build a cross agency team focused on building and improving relations, while providing a safe and secure Emerald Coast," said Maj. Scott Foley, 96th SFS commander. 

During the luncheon, Capt. Melissa Weikert, assistant staff judge advocate, discussed propriety, exclusive and concurrent jurisdiction, spelling out when state, federal or local agencies have legislative authority. 

Jurisdiction can be confusing when more than one agency responds to calls on Air Force property off the main base, such as Poquito Bayou or places on Santa Rosa Island. They hope these quarterly gatherings will take the initial guess work out of the equation. 

"The idea of the luncheon was to touch base with local law enforcement agencies and give them a chance to meet with Maj. Foley," said Master Sgt. Jay Curtis, NCOIC of Investigation and Intelligence. "It was also a chance to educate everyone on jurisdiction so that turning investigations over will become a smoother process." 

Sergeant Curtis said one police department even asked for more information on jurisdiction to further educate their officers. 

The 96th SFS also extended an invitation to local agencies to join them for events during National Police Week May 10-16, and their upcoming Joint Security Forces Ball. 

Fort Walton Beach Police Chief Ted Litschauer thought the event was a terrific idea. 

"It was a great opportunity to do some networking for both civilian and military law enforcement," Chief Litschauer said. 

Networking is key to working closely with other law enforcement agencies, something the leadership from AFOSI and 96th SFS discussed last fall when they planned this luncheon. 

"Our recent incident with the capturing of an armed suspect on Eglin reservation is a prime example of why local and federal agencies must work together," said Major Foley. "Meeting our civilian law enforcement brethren in the time of crisis is not ideal. Building relations and expectations prior to any incident is best."