Customer service, with a 'catch'

  • Published
  • By 82nd Security Forces Squadron
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Two of the newest members to the 82nd Security Forces Squadron made their presence known, leading to a "coining" by 82nd Training Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux. 

Tammy Drew was utilizing the Texas Law Enforcement Terminal System at the visitor control center to conduct a background check on a civilian who wanted a pass to get on base for Vernon College classes. 

On the very first day the TLETS terminal was installed at the visitor control center, Ms. Drew was able to detect and confirm a warrant from the Young County Sheriff's Office for the individual, wanted for assault and family violence. 

"I had written the individual several passes before that day so he could attend his classes on base," Ms. Drew said. "Within an hour of getting TLETS up and running we found out he had the warrant and he was arrested." The individual was prohibited from accessing the installation, taken into custody and turned over to the Young County sheriff's office. 

Ms. Drew worked for the Wichita Falls Police Department in the records section prior to getting hired by 82nd SFS. She obtained her TLETS training and certification while working at the WFPD. All other visitor control center staff will be trained on the use of TLETS. 

The installation of the TLETS system at the visitor control center was completed in record time by Staff Sgt. Tanisha Thompson, non-commissioned officer in charge of information management, 82nd SFS. On Feb. 14, General Devereaux and 82nd TRW command Chief Master Sgt. Jeannie McLean stopped by the visitor control center. 

Sergeant Thompson and Ms. Drew were "coined" by the general for their outstanding contributions to the safe, secure and supportive environment of the 82nd TRW. 

The National/Texas Crime Information Center is a database maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This database maintains all criminal wants and warrants for everyone in the country. The TLETS terminal, which until recently had only been installed at the security forces law enforcement desk, is the interface to access state and national criminal and driving records through NCIC/TCIC. 

To ease the work load on the law enforcement desk sergeant, a TLETS terminal was installed at the visitor control center outside Sheppard's main gate Feb. 7. Now those who attempt to gain access to the base could have a NCIC/TCIC check conducted by the visitor control center staff. 

Installing the TLETS terminal has already had a positive impact on Sheppard's security: since the TLETS installation, there have been 11 confirmed criminal hits.