Change provides more security at base entry points

Published Aug. 19, 2014
By Michael Golembesky
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- As part of routine base security, every time you enter a military installation and your government issued ID card is scanned, it is being checked against a national law enforcement database for active warrants.

The defense biometric identification system is a Department of Defense-wide program that allows for government issued IDs to be scanned and matched to an expansive database of law enforcement records for active warrants. That search and scan has just gotten greater with the addition of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's database which was implemented this month.

"The vetting routinely conducted at the gates includes federal and state warrants. Additional vetting includes a variety of checks to include criminal background as well as terrorist information," said Tech Sgt. Eric Morgan, 21st Security Forces Squadron visitor control center NCO in charge.

So what happens if someone comes through the gate and is initially identified as having an active warrant out for their arrest?

"Each response is situation-dependent; however, security forces will first detain the individual and conduct a manual check through the FBI's National Crime Information Center to confirm the initial result," said Morgan. "Generally speaking, if there is a warrant, local law enforcement is notified, responds, and takes custody of the individual. Additional actions may include denying access to the installation through a debarment."

Depending on what time of day drivers are trying to access the base using one of the three gates, wait times and traffic can vary drastically. The newly implemented expanded database search will not add to the wait.

"This process hasn't proven to add any wait time at the gates thus far. We understand that gate wait times may cause an inconvenience. If security forces must detain an individual as the result of the vetting process, adjustments to the flow of traffic are made as soon as possible," Morgan said.

This newly added security measure will have minimal impact on gate procedures and does not require any additional training for security forces members, making it a seamless integration into an already established program like DBIDS.

"Regulations already require access to NCIC information for vetting purposes without regard to any new procedures, security forces personnel identified as users were already trained and certified," Morgan said.

Procedures and requirements for gaining base access will remain the same. Guests must have a military affiliated sponsor (active, retired, family member 18-years or older, contractor or civilian employee) to gain access to the installation. Guests will need to provide a valid form of picture ID, like a state driver's license. If the guests are driving their own vehicle, they will need to provide a valid driver's license, current registration and insurance for access.

For information on basic base access requirements, visit http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2013/06/basics-of-base-access-privileges-and-requirements/comment-page-1/.

Gate security