Norfolk Naval Shipyard's (NNSY) police precinct was recently recognized for receiving one of the top four scores for the Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) global Command Assessment of Readiness and Training (CART) certification for security.

The CART certification is one of CNIC's new programs and is part one of three certifications installations are inspected and graded on by a CNIC inspection team. The team does a series of inspections to make sure installations are 100 percent qualified and have the training and knowledge to do their jobs and carry out their missions.

"During our inspection, the inspectors realized how well we work collectively together as a team, and we are a blended family made up of military master-at-arms (MA), federal police officers, civilian guards, auxiliary security force (ASF) personnel, and a reserve force. We are 'one team, one fight' each and every day, and that is key to how we operate on a daily basis," said Col. Teddy Smith, NNSY Police Chief.

A lot of training goes into carrying out daily missions, following the Anti-Terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) Plan, protecting the installation, and preparing for inspections.

"Every one of our staff members is valuable to our mission. Our long term civilian police officers are highly qualified and have helped keep our training platform strong for years," said Maj. Henry Durham, NNSY Deputy Police Chief. "They are training new personnel as soon as they come in the door, whether they are military or civilian."

When it comes to training and qualifications, NNSY's police precinct does things a little bit differently. "We created our own training program. We named it the 'Patrolman Academy' because it includes both military and civilian personnel. It is our continued goal to make sure both our people are fully certified as a law enforcement officer," said Smith.

"Those qualifications are mandated by DoD and it is important to us and them they are qualified. Upon qualification, they receive their own control numbers, certificates and qualifications, and Criminal Infringement Notice (CIN) numbers. That information is entered into their official records and follows them throughout their career."

Continued training, qualifications, and increased job knowledge took the precinct above and beyond, and in return, brought recognition from CNIC and Commander, Navy Mid-Atlantic Region (CNRMA) Admirals.

"This recognition means a lot to us because there is a continued effort from the lowest-ranking to the highest-ranking person here. It is a team effort every step of the way," said Smith. "It goes to show their long hours and hard work doesn't go unnoticed. What really separates us from other installations is how much pride the officers, both military and civilians, take in their work."

The precinct's dedication and training has not only caught the attention of leadership, it has been a valuable recruiting tool for both military and civilian personnel.

"When an officer is looking to apply for a job here or an MA is considering taking military orders with us, they can see the pride, the ownership, how we train and take care of our personnel to ensure they receive what they need to do their job in every way," said Smith. "A true reflection is seen by those who are here and they are showing they want to work here. They want to be the best and they continue to strive for it."

The precinct and its staff are continually training so they are able to carry out their daily duties, mission, and prepare for the upcoming Regional Assessment (RASS) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) inspections and certifications later this year.

"I am very proud of our team and definitely proud that I can come to work here every day and be a part of this with them," said Smith. "It is going to take a lot of hard work, but we are going to do it as a team like we always have."

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