NCIS program started

By MC3 Ethan Tracey

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Public Affairs

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service Crime Reduction Program kicked off 2015 with a focus on domestic violence awareness Jan. 15 and will continue until April 15.

The CRP was created in 2008 to help military members and their dependents prevent crimes they may face at home and abroad. NCIS uses command training briefs and community outreach events to help spread the message of how to avoid becoming a victim.

 "The Navy provides a wealth of assistance and I would recommend to anyone to reach out for help if they need it from the professionals," said Lt. Cmdr. Johnny Stamberger, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay security officer. "Fleet and Family Support Center, the chaplains office, the security office are all places that you can go to for help if you feel that you have been a victim."

In accordance with the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative this program is encouraging service members to get involved by practicing bystander intervention.

"Intervening plays a critical role in stopping and preventing domestic abuse," Stamberger said. "It's a great assistant, and we can also provide victims with hotlines to get additional assistance." 

One senior Sailor who intervened was able to prevent his Sailor from making a potentially career-ending mistake.

"I noticed that one of my junior Sailors had too much to drink while on liberty on my last deployment," said Navy Counselor 1st Class Rob Ehrhart, Kings Bay command career counselor. "I was able to make sure he and his liberty buddy got back to the ship safe, and out of a peer pressure filled environment."

Ehrhart said that the Sailor thanked him a few days later.

Crime deterrence and prevention is something that anyone can play a part in.

"Ways that we have deterred crime in the past is through random DUI checkpoints, responding to bomb threats, gun threats and answering calls that might be potentially harmful, said Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Derek Hansen. "Even though most of the calls have turned out to not be casualties, it is important for us to take every precaution."  

During the 90-day campaign, NCIS representatives visit commands to provide domestic violence awareness briefings. 

"We will be passing out flyers and encouraging service members to attend training," Stamberger said. 

Working with the Office of the Judge Advocate General, public affairs elements, the Family Advocacy Program, the Chaplain Corps, and other Department of Navy entities, NCIS is helping Navy and Marine Corps communities reduce crime.