The pen is mightier with 31 SFS law enforcement

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Austin Harvill
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Stacks of case notes being logged into a computer isn't often shown in action-packed cop movies, but without paperwork, silver screen police officers would be out of a job in the real world of law enforcement.

Law enforcement officers don't just make traffic stops and respond to medical emergencies or crimes. At Aviano Air Base, Italy, the Airmen of the 31st Security Forces Squadron are no exception.

"Having a presence on base is a large part of our job, but so much happens after our interactions with the public," said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Aaron Price, 31st SFS patrolman. "After an event or emergency, it can take just as long to fill out a report. I once worked 12 hours on a major incident report because we take the reports seriously."

Law enforcement duties for Air Force patrolmen differ slightly from their civilian counterparts in terms of core responsibilities. Random anti-terrorism measures, normally handled by specialists in civilian police departments, are integral to the duties of patrolmen here.

"When you see us parked at intersections or patrolling base, it might be because of a RAM or routine patrol," said Price. "We aren't trying to get folks in trouble, but rather we are showing a presence on base to deter those who want to hurt our community."

Whether responding during RAMs, traffic stops or emergencies, the bulk of patrolmen's work begin once they park their patrol cars. It's at this point they update the Security Forces Management Information System by beginning a SFMIS report. These reports detail all actions taken by patrolmen.

"We want to make sure everything that happened at a scene is clearly documented so no one receives unjust treatment," said Senior Airman Lindsey Allen, 31st SFS desk sergeant. "Maintaining a record in SFMIS is the principal means of ensuring continuity and clarity in all of our responses."

Desk sergeants are similar to civilian dispatchers since they receive calls and inform the patrol units. While their tasks certainly aren't in the spotlight, they prevent confusion and protect identities using SFMIS reports.

"These reports are very particular because someone being cited for speeding should be clearly discernable from a convicted criminal," said Allen. "Additionally, both major and minor offenders deserve to have their information safe. We only look at SFMIS numbers, not names, so those affected remain anonymous and are treated without bias."

Putting so much time and effort into post-response actions may be undervalued in the eyes of the public, but Price knows the true reason behind the paper pushing.