Reaching out against crime

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Deana Heitzman
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The Air Force Office of Special Investigations recently added a new anonymous tip box to help Team Aviano members report suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.

In addition to the new tip box, Aviano offers various avenues to report crime that include Eagle Eyes, a mobile application and website.

"The tip box is another way Airmen, dependents and host nation members can provide criminal information to the local AFOSI Detachment," said Special Agent Robert Binns, AFOSI Detachment 531 superintendent. "We understand there is a stigma associated with people coming to AFOSI to report someone or something and we do not want that to prevent criminal activity from being reported."

For mobile users, tips can be submitted by searching for the "TipSubmit Mobile" on various smartphone application stores. Users will then need to select the "Federal" option and choose the "Air Force Office of Special investigations" button to complete the setup.

If smartphone capabilities are not available to the tipster, members can click here to send in their tips online. The website gives the option to accurately describe the physical appearance or event, vehicle and more and gives an opportunity to upload a photo that pertains to the crime.

"Anyone can put anything they believe to be criminal activity in the tip box and we will take it from there," said Binns. "We just ask that individuals provide as much information as possible about the activity so that we have a point to start from."

Binns also explains that information provided, which does not fall under OSI jurisdiction will be properly dispersed to other base agencies that will be interested in the information.

Tips can also be submitted through the wing-wide program, Eagle Eyes. This program is dedicated to protecting areas around the base and the homes of service members and their families. To report an incident through Eagle Eyes during duty hours, contact OSI directly at 632-7642 or 632-7643 and to report activity after duty hours, contact the Law Enforcement desk at 632-7200.

"Our main goal is to protect Aviano, ensure the airfield stays green, and criminal activity directed at our Airmen is dealt with," said Binns. "The tip box is another tool to ensure everyone, whether military, dependent, or host nation, has an avenue to report criminal activity."

For more information, contact OSI at 632-7642 or the Law Enforcement desk at 632-7200.