Stalker reports could mean security revamp at Fort Monroe

HAMPTON — Complaints from Fort Monroe residents about recent incidents have officials rethinking security at the 565-acre property.

Officials and National Park Service representatives say they have learned of two reported instances of what was described as stalking along the boardwalk and the beach area, spokeswoman Phyllis Terrell said. Officials say the incidents took place during the daytime.

Fort Monroe leases 169 residential units.

A letter from Fort Monroe Authority executive director Glenn Oder advised residents “to please take any indications (of stalking) or ‘gut feelings’ seriously and report concerns to directly to the (Hampton Police Division)” with either the division’s nonemergency number or 911, “if the situation requires an immediate response.”

Officials are planning a community meeting with Hampton police and are evaluating changes to park rules, hours of operation and security patrol procedures. Any changes will be posted on the fort’s website.

Fort Monroe pays Top Guard, a Hampton-based private security firm, to do 24-hour patrols with five unarmed guards who work three single-manned eight-hours shifts. While the property is not a gated community, the Fort Monroe National Monument is closed to the public from midnight to 5 a.m.

Hampton police also has a station at Stillwell Avenue.

Virginia State Police also has a station at Fort Monroe on Pratt Street.