Random DBIDS checks turn away unregistered personnel

Published June 22, 2010
By Monica Mendoza
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Since June 1, about 30 percent of people have been denied entry onto Peterson Air Force Base during increased security checks at the gates.

During those checks, security forces scan Department of Defense identification cards through the Defense Biometric Identification System to ensure card holders are registered in the new security system.

"We've been turning people away during random anti-terrorism measures," said Master Sgt. Tristum Darby, 21st Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of the DBIDS program.

Security forces began periodic DBIDS registration ID checks June 1 at the Peterson gates to ensure compliance. The random checks will continue, Sergeant Darby said, and will lead up to 100 percent DBIDS enforcement.

The DBIDS system is a Department of Defense initiative designed to improve the security of U.S. military bases. It is an identity authentication tool, using bar codes and biometrics to identify cardholders, and registration in the system is required of anyone - active duty, family members, retirees, civilians and contractors - who want access to the installation.

If during a random check at the gate, a person is found not to be registered in DBIDS, the person will be directed to the visitors center, Sergeant Darby said.

During duty hours, the person is sent to the Peterson Visitor Control Center, adjacent to the west gate. DBIDS registration is available at the center from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Also, there is a table set up next to the Pete East pharmacy inside the base exchange with Saturday hours 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for DBIDS registration. ID card holders also can register in Building 350 at the Military Personnel Section during normal duty hours.

If persons are stopped during a random inspection after hours or on weekends, they will be directed to register at the west gate.

Peterson Air Force Base started registering people into the system in 2008 and is the first Air Force base in the continental United States to fully implement the DBIDS system. Sergeant Darby said anyone who is not registered should do it now.

"There will be a date in the near future when it will be mandatory that every single person needs to be registered," Sergeant Darby said.