Law enforcement aids neighborhood watch program

Neighborhood watch classes were held May 29 to 31 at the Hercules Theater and the School Liaison Office on Vogelweh to increase community involvement and vigilance.

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, noncommissioned officer 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.

“This is a matter of curiosity for some people, so drawing a full crowd would give us something to build off of,” said Staff Sgt. Nealon Joseph, assistant NCOIC for police services.

Neighborhood watch 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 want to ensure the neighborhood watch is effective, but it can’t work without their help.

“I encourage residents to volunteer for this neighborhood watch program,” said Lt. Gen. Craig Franklin, KMC 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.”

KMC members are looking for others to be more aware. If people are aware, they’ll be able to protect their families, Furtado said.

“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,” Furtado said.

If you see suspicious activity, call the Eagle Eyes at 480-2050 or 06371-47-2050. For emergencies, call 112.