SFS details special event guidelines for base access Published March 31, 2015 By 21st Security Forces Squadron PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Users of the Peterson Air Force Base gates and new visitors to the installation may have noticed a recent increase in friendly customer service and familiar faces at the gates. The 21st Security Forces Squadron recently revamped and overhauled both the visitor control center and gate section to produce not only continuity and reassurance to the general public, but an additional sense of friendly customer service and care. The installation perimeter access control teams provide a wide variety of services to fit the public's basic access needs from visitor passes to larger scale events such as the NORAD Tracks Santa event and recent Junior ROTC military balls. The Peterson Defenders, commanded by Lt. Col. Leeann Roberts, are making every effort to uphold installation perimeter access control standards by sending its best Airman to the recently established 21st Force Support Squadron Customer Service Training. In attending the course, the Defenders have learned to provide a much needed understanding of local services to both visitors and long term users of the installation. Additionally, visitor control center representatives have analyzed incoming Defense Biometric Identification System data and visitor statistics over the past year to better assist with average wait times. "The recent change has increased overall installation access continuity leading to better information dissemination and customer care for all base personnel," said Tech. Sgt. Daniel Crook, 21st SFS, NCOIC of Pass and Registration. "According to recent statistics, 285,000 personnel have processed the installation since the start of the new year." The visitor control center offers a wide variety of services including visitor passes, badging, long term requests, special events, lost and stolen identification reports, and VIN verifications, which have saved military members more than $12,000 in out of pocket expenses. They even offer a courtesy cup of coffee for all new visitors requesting access to the installation. Of the 9,000 visitors processed through the visitor control center since January 2015, more than 20 percent have been for special events held on the installation. To help increase the knowledge of the special event procedures, the 21st SFS is asking the base populace to abide by all established special event guidelines -- which can be found at building 1334 -- and submit the request form within 72 hours of the function to the visitor center. Following the established guidelines will allow the representative to process the event in a timely and efficient manner while minimizing inconvenience for those attending the functions. Some examples of special events include weddings, birthday parties, promotion and retirement ceremonies. Visitor control center hours of operation are 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. During non-duty hours the west gate Defenders are able to process visitor pass requests.