Law enforcement aids neighborhood watch program

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Trevor Rhynes
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Neighborhood watch classes were held at the Hercules Theater, and the School Liaison Office on Vogelweh to increase community involvement and vigilance May 29 through 31.

The 86th Security Forces Squadron and 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron instructed the classes and provided residents the opportunity to assist law enforcement while also helping the communities.

"Neighborhood watches are supposed to be planned by the community," said Tech. Sgt. Gregory Stanley, NCO in charge of police services. "We hosted these classes to help them create the program and assist from a law enforcement standpoint."

Since neighborhood watches are planned by the community, maximum involvement is key.

"I encourage residents to volunteer for this neighborhood watch program," said Lt. Gen. Craig Franklin, Kaiserslautern Military Community commander and 3rd Air Force commander. "Parents are our first line of defense. This program was requested by the community. We can't do it without them." 
 
The neighborhood watch also offers a sense of community.

"We're in the community a lot and we think it's kind of weird how we're on this giant base and people don't talk to each other," said Robbin Furtado, wife of Master Sgt. Lionel Furtado, residents of Ramstein base housing. "It's hard to see our children playing with each other and we don't even know the parents anymore. I wanted to get more people to come together, and know my neighbors."

Members of the community are needed to ensure the neighborhood watch to be effective.

"This is a community program, so it's up to them to keep it running," said Joseph. "The success or failure of the neighborhood watch depends on their involvement."

KMC members are looking for others to be more aware, if people are aware, maybe they'll be better able to protect their families, said Furtado.

"It's better for residents to know the neighbors, if you know your neighbors you know who doesn't belong in your neighborhood, leading to better security," said Furtado.

If you see suspicious activity, call the Eagle Eyes DSN: 480-2050, commercial: 06371-47-2050. If there is an emergency, call 112.