U.S. Army, Hoke County Work Together To Keep Military Families Safe

At the entrypoints to Fort Bragg, security remains tight, but some housing areas near the post are not as secure.

"We've been looking at the security out here, working closely with local officials to determine ways to enhance security for soldiers and their families," Fort Bragg garrison commander Col. Tad Davis said.

Families at the housing area have asked military police to patrol the neighborhood, but the housing area is actually in Hoke County. Military police do not have jurisdiction.

As a result, the Hoke County Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with the U.S. Army, opened a new substation in the neighborhood Friday.

"We have a responsibility in local law enforcement to ensure the safety and well-being of those soldiers' families left behind," said Sheriff Jim Davis.

Military spouse Erika Unterserher likes living in military housing off post, but until now she worried about her safety.

"I feel a lot safer because the Hoke Sheriff's Office will be out here, patrolling now on a daily basis, so outsiders will know they cannot come in here now, and we won't be afraid to be home by ourselves," she said.

Sheriff Davis said surrounding communities will also benefit from the substation. The Sheriff's Office road patrol unit will be based there and will patrol streets all over the county from that base location.