New Wright-Patt Crime Stopper phone line meant to be easy to remember

The Defense Operations Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base receives the 257-COPS calls 24/7. (Contributed photo)

The Defense Operations Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base receives the 257-COPS calls 24/7. (Contributed photo)

The 88th Security Forces Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has created a resource to report crimes anonymously with its new, easy-to-remember phone number: (937) 257-COPS.

Staff Sgt. Benjamin Pastian, 88th SFS NCOIC, who is responsible for analyzing crime statistics on base, implemented the program in the beginning of June with the intent to make reporting ongoing and imminent crimes easier.

“Our goal of this program is to increase the reporting of crimes by giving those who prefer anonymity a way to do so,” Pastian said.

Witnesses can call in without the fear or inconvenience of being involved. Personal information is not recorded when calling in and operators are instructed not to ask for any.

The 257-COPS line is operated by the Base Defense Operations Center 24/7, including holidays.

By increasing the reporting of crimes, patrol officers can either stop the crime in progress or gain information about where the crimes are being committed. This will enable 88 SFS to target their law enforcement toward present crimes instead of those that previously occurred.

Traffic complaints and other non-criminal activity should continue to be reported to Crime Prevention through the Crime Prevention organizational email box at 88sfs.crime.prevention@us.af.mil.

For more information, contact Pastian at 937-522-6533.

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