SFS, local law enforcement partner to protect rights

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman A.K.
  • 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
INDIAN SPRINGS, Nev. --  In support of First Amendment rights, the 799th Security Forces Squadron and civilian Nevada law enforcement officials worked together to provide a safe environment for base personnel and protestors during the annual Peace Walk Protest March 20-27, 2013.

In meetings preceding the demonstration, 799th SFS members, Nevada Highway Patrol and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police created a plan using input from members with protest group experience. The preemptive planning allows security forces and civilian law enforcement to coordinate and ensure all areas are covered before specific events, such as the five-day walking protest.

"With instances like the protests last week, we plan in-depth early so we can have all the combined capabilities and resources of the participating law enforcement entities involved ready to ensure the objectives run smoothly," said 1st Lt. Nicklaus Landon, 799th SFS Operations officer. "With the proper planning, manning, and equipment, we can make sure that the mission goes on and that Metro and Nevada Highway Patrol and, eventually, AF personnel do not have to be too involved."

In preparation for the annual protest, local and military law enforcement officials began the planning process more than a month prior to the event. The departments work together regularly by meeting and discussing current and upcoming matters.
"All law enforcement entities involved are concerned with two basic things," Landon said. "One is the security of the base and uninterrupted operations and the other is the safety of the civilians and their right to peacefully protest."

Traffic and vehicle accidents are some of the main issues 799th SFS members and local law enforcement entities communicate about regularly. With the added concern of the protestors traveling along the highway and up to the base's main entrance, it is important the law enforcement groups have a plan to communicate.

"As this highway is the main route of travel for all base workers, it is important to keep this route safe and clear, and to ensure information flows properly throughout all entities if an incident does occur," the lieutenant said.

Sgt. Andrew Legrow, Las Vegas Metro Police North West Area Command 51, said having the opportunity to plan ahead gave the LVMPD the chance to deploy some of their unique units such as the special saturation team and problem solving unit.
"Prior to the large protest on the 27th, we worked together to make sure we had the manning and resources we would need," Legrow said. "Both law enforcement departments are always working to protect the rights of the civilian and military population in the area."

Planning ahead paid off as protestors blocked a base entrance. With plans in place, each of the separate law enforcement agencies took on a specific role in providing a safe alternate route around the protestors.

"The plan went perfectly," Landon said. "When the protestors decided to block the entrance, security forces members were able to reroute both the inbound and outbound traffic. With the help of NHP traffic was rerouted down highway and the protestors were taken care of by Las Vegas Metro. The incident was handled well, everything went smoothly and I can say I am happy with how the plans worked."
Working together also fosters the growing relationship between the LVMPD and the 799th SFS.

"It's great working with the people out at base," Legrow said. "We provide information to each other and we are working on the same team. Everyone I have worked with out there is very professional and friendly. The base helps us the same way we would help them. I look forward to continually working with them and getting things done."