BELL COUNTY, Texas — A three-month investigation into the command climate and culture at Fort Hood shed light on deep-rooted safety issues at the military installation last year.

Operation People First was launched as a way to prompt permanent change across the force.

When it comes to preventing crime on Fort Hood, military police hope their new ride-along program makes a big difference. 

SPC Nathan West is a school resource officer on Fort Hood. He is responsible for keeping students safe.

"Where kids spend most of their time, which is at school, trying to get rid of the crime that's there and then hopefully that carries on outside into their everyday lives," West explained. 

And CPT Kristian Hill is the commander of the 178th Law and Order Detachment. 

"I'm responsible for everything that happens within the unit, so the good, the bad, and then all the soldiers and their families as well," said Hill.

Hill recently joined West out on the road as part of Fort Hood's ride-along program. The crime prevention program connects officers with commanders. 

"So the purpose of this is just to be able to familiarize leaders with the areas on Fort Hood. And then leaders also have the ability to conduct ride-alongs with the local police departments off Fort Hood," said Hill.

"The ride-along program is critical in the commands being able to build the trust and relationship with their soldiers," explained Hill.