By Justin Creech
Staff writer
Thursday, August 23, 2012

Fort Belvoir Directorate of Emergency Services and Law Enforcement personnel cleared up misinformation on security policies for Woodlawn Village residents during the “Coffee with the Chief” meeting at Woodlawn Village Community Center Aug. 15.

Brian Smith, Army Liaison Officer and Asset Manager with the private partners in regard to Residential Communities Initiative Housing was present to answer any housing policy questions from the residents.

Residents asked about the current gate guard policy, the number of patrol cars sent to Woodlawn and what happens when a civilian juvenile is found trespassing in one of the post neighborhoods.

Timothy Wolfe, Fort Belvoir police chief appreciated the residents coming and giving him a chance to speak with them face to face.

“It allows the communications lines to stay open, and let the residents know we care,” said Wolfe. “We also like telling them what our future plans are for Woodlawn.”

Wolfe, along with John Kibler, DES Chief of Criminal Investigations informed Woodlawn residents the gate guards are at Woodlawn because the village is on Federal property and that teenage civilians are turned over to Fairfax County law enforcement because juveniles cannot be tried in a federal court.

Wolfe and Kibler also shared the crime rate in Woodlawn village is much lower than the crime rate in Fairfax County.

Kibler explained that 93 percent of larcenies on post are committed by teenagers that live on the installation.

“We were able to clear up the ‘unsafe’ Woodlawn community theory,” Wolfe said. “We were able to identify crime statistics in Fairfax County; look at other communities on Belvoir and let the residents see they live in a safe community.”

The residents are happy to have the misinformation clarified and gain a better understanding of the installation law enforcement policies.

“It’s important for the residents to find out the truth. As we found out, there’s a lot of misinformation on post,” said Cameron MacKenzie, Woodlawn resident. “There is a misconception from folks who have been in the military for some time that a certain level of security is required, which we found out tonight it’s not.”

Wolfe was adamant with the residents that they can call him directly, if they have any questions or concerns. Being able to speak with Wolfe, Kibler and Smith is a benefit of the meeting Capt. Steve Johnson, Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Element, Troop Command, company commander, enjoyed.

“I think it’s always great to put a face with a name; meet the leadership in person and express your concerns,” said Johnson. “You can ask anything and they will give you a straight answer.”

The residents were also happy to have a platform to voice their concerns and know they are being heard.

“It opens up the dialogue between the community and our law enforcement personnel,” said Kasmas Dikes, Woodlawn resident. “Everybody complains, but nobody wants to do anything about it, so it’s good to bring everybody together this way.”