TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- They are not gate guards.

The 70 Department of Defense civilians who oversee Tinker's gates are police officers. But, gate-guard duty is just one aspect of their job. They also perform a host of other responsibilities that range from patrolling the installation, responding to domestic calls, alarms and traffic accidents. Despite their contributions, many Tinker personnel can't see beyond their blue uniforms and often mistake them as only "gate guards."

"We constantly have issues with personnel thinking we're contracted gate guards from a year ago," said Officer Rohrer, day shift police supervisor. "But the reality is they could get a $200 ticket from us. We're cops, federal police officers."

Before the hiring of police officers, contractors guarded Tinker's gates and had performed the task for roughly five years. But, in those years, there had been an influx in deployments. By appointing a civilian force to guard the gates and augment other police functions, the 72nd Security Forces Squadron could offset a portion of the deploying Airmen.

"Without getting too specific, the squadron accomplishes its in-garrison mission with 25 to 30 percent of its active duty strength deployed in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom," said Senior Airman Luke Pagan of the 72nd SFS Operations Administration. "The police officers in the unit definitely help."

The civilian force began training Aug. 31, 2009, with a four-week on-base training regimen. They also participated in a five-week course at the Veterans Affairs police academy in Arkansas, qualified to handle a 9-mm semiautomatic pistol and an M4 Carbine assault rifle, and were required to meet Air Force physical training standards.

These days their priorities include protecting the base, preserving life and providing a safe and orderly environment for Tinker personnel and residents. Working day, swing or night shifts, their schedules are five days on and two days off.

Like their security forces counterparts, the officers have a wealth of knowledge and experience. Officer Rohrer (pronounced roar), who spent 21 years in the Navy as a police officer before coming to Tinker, said several of the patrolmen were previously police officers for a military branch or worked in the federal, state, county or town capacity.

Officer Geis, a patrolman who previously served in the Marines and in the DOD Air National Guard at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., said he enjoys working at Tinker.

"I like everything," he said. "We have a great crew that melds well together and we're here to serve you -- the public, the people."

Officer Tipton, who previously served as a police officer in Mangum and Hobart, two small Oklahoma towns, agreed.

"We have a good camaraderie, there's never a doubt that someone will back you up," he said.