Defending Sheppard with defense biometrics

  • Published
  • By 82nd Security Forces Squadron
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Security forces throughout Air Education and Training Command are using technology improvements to make base access more secure, while at the same time saving money and resources.

Defense Biometric Identification System, or DBIDS, was implemented to increase the security of the base. In 2009 Sheppard began using DBIDS, to check ID's at base entry control points.

The DoD-owned and operated system developed by Defense Manpower Data Center, where, as a force protection program to manage personnel identity, property and installation access at DoD installations. It receives frequent updates on changes to personnel credential status, law enforcement warrants, lost or stolen ID cards to keep defenders at the gate with the most up-to-date information as possible.

"Since we began utilizing DBIDS, we've been averaging 41,000 scans per month," said Tech. Sgt. Janice Lucky, 82nd Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge. "We are finding about 620 people every month either have an expired ID card, are not registered in DBIDS or are barred from a DoD installation; from a security standpoint, that's significant."

Since January 2013, DBIDS has aided in the identification and apprehension of 36 personnel attempting to access Sheppard who've had active wants or warrants for their arrest, for crimes ranging from unpaid parking tickets to sexual offenders.

"We have been able to catch these personnel with warrants out for their arrest prior to them entering the installation," said Master Sgt. Tim Lawrence, 82nd Security Forces Squadron installation security superintendent. "Our defenders are able to more effectively ensure a safe environment for Sheppard and their families."

At the installation point of entry DBIDS will identify a reason for ID cards to be revoked. The security forces member initiates the process to get a new card. The entry controller will deface the revoked card and issue a receipt. The guard will punch a hole in it and staple a receipt with the directions to be issued a new card. Cards with holes punched in it cannot be used to get into base a second time. Two forms of ID (driver's license, social security card, Military ID, birth certificate, passport) are required to have a new ID card issued. The entry controller will issue you a base pass if you are still authorized base access. If this happens on the weekend, wait until the next duty day.

"Stringent access rules help guarantee that only authorized personnel with a reason for being on base are allowed entry," said Senior Master Sgt. Bradley Quam 82nd Security Forces Squadron security forces manager. "Some people may think entry control procedures are inconvenient, but the process reminds people of their responsibilities as a member in safeguarding our community, and it's that inconvenience that makes Sheppard a safe place to work and raise a family."

If anyone requires access to the installation and is not currently authorized base access (expired ID card, DBIDS access card, etc.), then normal sponsoring rules apply for all personnel. Someone with privileges to sponsor an individual on the installation must come to the gate or Visitor's Center to sign the person on to the base. If it is a weekend, an extended pass may be issued until the next duty day. Sponsors should be aware of these procedures in case their family members ID card gets revoked.

Some of the reasons your ID card would be flagged by the DBIDS system:
- The ID card is expired or reported as lost or stolen
- The ID card was not properly registered or was issued incorrectly
- Using a previous issued ID card after a new ID card has been issued
- Defense Management Data Center has terminated the ID card due to a discrepancy with the registration paperwork
- ID card was terminated. The record of your ID card in Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System was terminated
- The ID card holder has a want or warrant for arrest or was asked by a law enforcement agency to stop the person for questioning

"The technology continues to evolve and improve, enhancing Security Forces ability to stop unauthorized access to Sheppard," Lucky said.

While DBIDS may have slowed morning traffic slightly, it has significantly aided security forces in ensuring a safer community for Sheppard and Wichita Falls.