FORT BENNING, Ga., (Sept. 16, 2015) -- "As military police officers ... we provide a safe and secure environment," said Capt. Rolando Valdes Jr., commander of the 209th MP Detachment. "We give back to our community and that is how we become a proactive force. We're not just about writing tickets and enforcing laws, but also letting the citizens in the community know that we care. We do have a sense of pride in what we do on and off duty."

The work of the military police is 24/7, but when on duty, Spc. Carissa Hardee, an MP with the 209th Military Police Detachment, works the swing shift - midafternoon to around midnight - for the Fort Benning Directorate of Emergency Services. During her shift, Hardee patrols parking lots, waves to kids in the neighborhoods, and monitors the speeds of drivers. She also covers rush-hour traffic of Soldiers and working folks heading home.

"We try to make sure everything is safe," Hardee said. "I think our big thing here on post is people think that it is so safe. They don't think crimes happen here - they do."

Throughout her years with the military police on Fort Benning and other installations, Hardee has a few tips for Soldiers; the first of which she said she sees a lot.

No. 1. Don't store military equipment in sight within vehicles.

She urged Soldiers to remove equipment and pricey personal belonging from plain view in order to avoid break-ins.

Valdes said to have a plan: empty your vehicle of high-value items before going out where your vehicle will be parked in a public area.

No. 2. Follow the traffic laws.

The Fort Benning MPs uphold the same traffic laws as Georgia, despite misconceptions that an installation may have their own laws, Hardee said. Soldiers should stay focused while driving and those who go out should travel in battle buddy pairs. Valdes said to have a designated driver in place when alcohol is involved to avoid getting a DUI.

No. 3. Report any crime to the military police.

MPs are part of the Fort Benning community and here to keep the installation safe, but the residents of the installation have a part, too.

Many communities on the installation have their own Facebook watch pages, but Hardee said while posting suspicious activity on those pages may raise awareness, it is not enough.

Hardee recommended community members report anything from suspicious vehicles in their neighborhood to people arguing in neighboring homes to the MPs.

"It is better to be safe than sorry," Hardee said.

Hardee said there is good and bad, like any community, but residents must be smart and have situational awareness.

To report any suspicious activity, or to speak with the Fort Benning Military Police, call 706-545-5222.