Action Line #91105 – Noise at Arkadas

  • Published
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Complaint:

Over the past two weeks I have telephoned the Security Forces Squadron four times to report excessive noise at Arkadas Park during "quiet" hours. The SF personnel have always responded courteously, professionally, and quickly to deal with the problem. However, after the initial warning, the noise makers often resume their festivities and, within a short time, the noise begins again.

While I have no objection to anyone enjoying the Arkadas park at any hour, it is impossible for our family (and others) living near the park to get any sleep when quiet hours are ignored. We have lived near the park for well over a year and have never encountered any problem like this. Lately I find myself praying for inclement weather in hopes that that may keep the noise down, or rather, the noise makers away. Regretfully, bad weather does not seem to deter any ones use of the park as it has pleasant amenities such as BBQ pits, cover from the rain, and bathrooms. Throw in some food (and often alcohol) and these are the perfect ingredients for a party (which often becomes noisier as the night progresses).

Short of getting to know all of the Security Forces personnel by first name, I am asking that some community policing occur at the park. If the park could be routinely patrolled during the quiet hours it may deter the noise makers. It is ridiculous for me, or anyone for that matter, to be constantly bothering the SFS when they have better things to do. Some vigilance at the park just might solve the problem.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Response:

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We are obviously very concerned anytime there's an environment that is not conducive to the best care and treatment of our families. I hope you can understand that the Security Forces would much rather handle a situation at the lowest level, but sometimes, as is the case in this instance, it just doesn't work.
As a direct result of your input, I've directed our Security Forces to step up the enforcement of noise complaints. In the future, any time an SF patrol is called about a noise complaint more than once, the event that is causing the complaint will be broken up and offending persons' unit commanders will be notified of the repeat offense. It is our sincere wish that wing personnel are able to enjoy themselves here at Incirlik, but not at the expense of the rights of their fellow wing teammates.