Constructing a safer Pyeongtaek

  • Published
  • By Capt Cody Chiles
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The 51st Fighter Wing commander met with the Pyeongtaek mayor and local government officials July 10, 2012, to coordinate plans that enhance Osan's security, safety and bilateral coordination with Pyeongtaek City Hall.

The plans focus on including Korean National Police in joint town patrols, enforcing restricted parking in highly congested areas, placing establishments off-limits for illegal or unsafe practices and expanding the Osan/Songtan Community Advisory Council to include all of Pyeongtaek.

The Republic of Korea-US Status of Forces Agreement allows United States Forces Korea law enforcement personnel to perform patrols off base to ensure U.S. service members are in compliance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice and USFK regulations.

The SOFA does not give USFK personnel the authority to enforce Korean laws. However, USFK regulations authorize USFK personnel to detain non-USFK personnel for the purpose of preventing injury to themselves, law enforcement personnel or others and when protecting Department of Defense resources vital to national security.

"The joint town patrols allow us to focus on our jurisdiction and the KNP to focus on theirs," said Col. Patrick McKenzie, 51st Fighter Wing commander. "Our joint town patrols have been very successful in the past. We look forward to working with our KNP partners on a regular basis."

Along with the joint town patrols the KNP will also begin enforcing the parking restrictions on the main strip in the Songtan Entertainment District.

"Parking in the district at night is prohibited by paragraph eight of article six in the Pyeongtaek City ordinance for Pedestrian's Rights and Environmental Improvement," said Lt. Col. Jason Beck, 51st Security Forces commander. "The ordinance is in place to keep military members, their families and the local community safe."

As the Area 5 commander, McKenzie also explained his role in placing establishments off-limits to USFK personnel.

"It is my responsibility to place establishments off-limits to USFK personnel if there is evidence that the establishment is associated with illegal activities or activities that add unnecessary risk to U.S. forces," said McKenzie.

Pyeongtaek Mayor Sun-Ki Kim highlighted a joint initiative to expand the OSCAC to include all of Pyeongtaek. The purpose of the council is to promote unity, cultural awareness, and to provide a conduit to work and resolve issues affecting both the military and Korean communities.

"A few days ago Colonel McKenzie and I spoke about expanding the OSCAC to include the entire city of Pyeongtaek. We feel it will help prevent future issues and ensure we maintain the same strong partnerships," Mayor Kim said.

McKenzie agreed, stating "Katchi Kapshida (We go together)."