TOP STORY >> Base entry process to undergo changes

By Staff Sgt. Nestor Cruz
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs


Team Little Rock members will soon see a change at the base gates which may seem like something from a science-fiction movie.

The Defense Biometric Identification System is an identity authentication system that “serves as a physical access control and critical property registration system, using bar codes and biometrics to identify cardholders,” according to the Department of Defense Common Access Card website.

Once installed, 19th Security Forces Squadron members can scan a CAC or DBIDS card and determine whether an individual is permitted access or not.

“What the system does is it verifies the identity of an individual,” said Cefus Benner, 19th SFS supervisory police officer. “When a person comes [to the gate] and we scan their ID card, DBIDS will give us one of three responses: either the person is ‘good to go’, not ‘good to go’ or ‘good to go’ but we need more information from them.”

Mr. Benner said additional information may be required from someone if something was missed during the registration process.

Information is stored in the DBIDS database. When an ID card is scanned, security forces members will see information about an individual which will determine if they are allowed access to the base.

“A person may not be allowed entry for several reasons, like if they have any active warrants against them or if they have been barred from the base,” said Mr. Benner. He also said Red Cross messages may also appear prompting security forces members to give appropriate instructions to the individual.

DBIDS will also enhance law enforcement capabilities for security forces members.

“Eventually, when all bases are connected [through DBIDS], we will be hooked up to every law enforcement entity such as Homeland Security, state and local police departments, and DEA,” said Mr. Benner.

All Team Little Rock ID cardholders are required to register into the DBIDS once the system is up and running.

“The process is going to be most difficult for some of our retirees because they are not integrated into the everyday working aspect of the installation,” said Capt. Gerald Patton, 19th SFS operations officer.

“Everybody on Little Rock Air Force Base has to be registered into the system. We understand it’s going to be a long process, so we’re asking everybody to be patient.”

Registration will be conducted in four phases: active-duty members, civilians, dependents and retirees. Unit points of contact are needed to help out with ensuring all team members are registered. Volunteers should call Mr. Benner at 987-2272.

Several registration stations are planned to be set up including the visitor center, pass and ID, and a registration station at building 103 for members of the 189th Airlift Wing, said Mr. Benner. Mobile stations will also be available at the Thomas Community Activities Center, the 19th Medical Group clinic and the fitness center, he added.

“Our goal is to begin registration no later than June 1 and our estimated completion date is Dec. 1,” Mr. Benner said.

19th SFS members are planning to begin using DBIDS scanners by July 1.

DBIDS cards are issued to non-ID card holders such as civilian contract workers and area civic leaders, Mr. Benner said. Passes are still issued for visitors.

“We do expect initially a slowdown coming in to the base, especially during peak hours,” said Mr. Benner. “Once the system is up and [19th SFS members] are trained, it’s going to make the base more secure.”