Defenders patrol base housing

Published Nov. 17, 2017
By Senior Airman Ashley Maldonado
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Airmen assigned to the 20th Security Forces Squadron began a bike patrol throughout base housing, Oct. 31.

The bike patrol has decreased suspicious activity by working with other patrollers in vehicles to detect and deter community issues.

“We’re out in the environment day and night, making sure everybody is staying safe,” said Airman 1st Class Malcolm Cumberland, 20th SFS bike patrolman. “We provide protection and deterrence that patrol vehicles cannot due to the fact that we are able to be on the bike and hear and see everything. We interact with the community and make sure everybody feels safe and has a good environment to live in.”

Every bike patrol shift consists of two patrolmen. Bike patrolmen watch over base housing every day from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m.

“If somebody was to call for a crime or we see it personally, we would automatically call our desk, have another patrol en route and would take care of the crime as needed,” said Senior Airman Eric Westfall, SFS bike patrolman. “Then the patrol would escort them back to our squadron.”

For any questions or concerns, individuals can call 803-895-3669. In case of an emergency, call 911 or stop an on-duty bike patrolman.