Bike patrol wheels into housing

  • Published
  • 96th Security Forces Squadron
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Clad in dark shorts and white shirts, members of the 96th Security Forces bike patrol are pedaling their way around base housing neighborhoods to remind residents they are a visible force in the community. 

According to operations superintendent Senior Master Sgt. Manuel Camacho, crime prevention is defined as a pattern of attitudes and behaviors directed both at reducing the threat of crime, enhancing the sense of safety and security of the local population. 

"Our security forces have taken this attitude and added the ability to patrol the residential and industrial areas on bicycles," Sergeant Camacho said. 

The patrol, which began in early June, is an eight-man team who rides through the neighborhoods to not only be a visible presence, but to get to know the residents personally. Sergeant Camacho said the patrol makes Security Forces approachable, especially in small areas with low crime rates. 

"These unique law enforcement tactics, techniques and procedures balance reactive responses to calls for assistance with proactive problem-solving centered on the causes of crime," he said. "This enables our Team Eglin community to join together as partners in the course of identifying, effectively addressing and reducing crime." 

Patrol leader, Senior Airman Christopher Gillespie, said the patrol is made up of Airmen from the day and swing shifts who have the same responsibilities as any other security forces personnel driving a car. 

"Using bikes gives us the ability to maneuver and get to areas a patrol car isn't capable of getting to on a regular basis," Airman Gillespie said. "Also, the patrols stop and talk to children on the street to build a stronger relationship with the base community," Airman Gillespie said. 

Another plus for security forces is that the bike patrol reduces the cost of fuel, which is a savings to the unit. 

"It also produces one top notch fit to fight security forces team," Sergeant Camacho said. 

The squadron plans on keeping the patrols active through the summer and hopes manning will allow it to continue year-round.