Feature Search

Andersen beefs up security with integration plan

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Derrick Spencer
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Additional security on Andersen is fast approaching thanks to the Air Force's security integration recruitment program.

Andersen is adjusting the existing security plan to include civilian security contractors to provide the best possible protection for the people, property, and information on base. The civilian guards are scheduled to be trained and in place by late summer of 2010.

"Andersen is currently training more than 30 contractors," said Maj. Sarah Babbitt, 36th Security Forces Squadron commander. "We keep the best interests of the people we serve as well as our guards in mind throughout the entire process."

The security contractors have to complete localized training specific to Andersen and then attend a formal Police Academy at Naval Base Guam before suiting up and being placed on the beat.

"We are training them on our local policies and procedures here on Andersen," Major Babbitt said. "Most of our new guards won't be fully qualified in their duties until they graduate from the Naval Police Academy."

The recruits are trained on Air Force Instructions and local procedures ranging from daily operations to high risk traffic stops and domestic abuse scenarios. Once the guards are trained and have graduated from the academy, they will be distributed across base and integrated with the 36th Security Forces Squadron. Filling the role of the guard's supervisor, Tech. Sgt. Mark Shipman explains how the process should be routine and seamless once implemented.

"They will be performing the same law enforcement functions on Andersen that the Air Force Security Forces perform, to include community policing in military family housing, the Base Exchange, and the school areas in addition to enforcing all existing traffic laws, said Sergeant Shipman, Joint Security Liaison, 36th Security Forces Squadron.

The current plan is to have them in place and working alongside Andersen's existing Security Forces sometime this coming August," said Major Babbitt.