Operation Crime Stop provides anonymous reporting capability

  • Published
  • By 482nd Fighter Wing
  • Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Operation Crime Stop is a resource that provides members of Team Homestead a venue to anonymously report criminal activities on Homestead Air Reserve Base.

While the 482nd Security Forces Squadron provides base security, the squadron also manages the Operation Crime Stop telephone line to allow witnesses reporting crimes to remain anonymous.

One of the goals of the program is to make personnel more aware of their surroundings on base and to report any suspicious acts without having to give their personal information, stated Mr. Juan Lemus, 482nd SFS police services program manager.

"An essential element of crime prevention is the prompt and accurate reporting of imminent crime situations or criminal acts," Lemus explained. "Some people will report their observations to police only when they know they can remain anonymous."

Calling (786) 415-777 is a safe way to report suspected or actual crimes anonymously.

Anonymous crime reports can be domestic violence, suspicious activity, threatening acts or behavior, possession of weapons and or the use or sale of illegal drugs, according to the Crime Stop Air Force Instruction 31-201.

The program helps Security Forces identify trends on base and adjust operations in order to address these adverse tendencies. Sending information out to the base regarding suspicious trends such as petty theft is just one way to mitigate criminal behavior on base.

Operation Crime Stop aims to provide a venue to anonymously report criminal acts on base, and members of Team Homestead are encouraged to be active participants in ensuring base security.

"Security is everyone's responsibility," said Lemus. "If they see any suspicious activity, no matter how unimportant they think it might be, please report it. Most threats are stopped with someone reporting something they thought was insignificant."

Members are also encouraged to contact local law enforcement for concerns regarding suspicious activity off base. Security Forces military personnel are prohibited against responding to off-base issues by the Posse Comitatus Act, which outlaws willful use of any part of the Army or Air Force to execute the law unless expressly authorized by the Constitution or an Act of Congress.

For emergencies, dial 911. For all other issues, the Homestead Police Department can be reached at (305) 247-1535 and the Miami-Dade Police Department can be reached at (305) 476-5423. For non-emergency traffic issues, the Florida Highway Patrol can be contacted at (305) 234-2240.