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DBIDS enhances safety on McConnell

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Laura L. Valentine
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.,  will be one the first Air Force bases to implement the new Defense Biometric Identification System 4.0 version when it comes online mid-November.

The 22nd Security Forces Squadron began installation Oct. 31, and the system is scheduled to be complete by Nov. 14.

At McConnell, DBIDS is in the socialization phase of implementation to help familiarize those who access the base with the new system.

DBIDS is a Homeland Security/Department of Defense initiative to manage personnel, property and installation access. Other Air Force and sister service installations are currently using DBIDS or awaiting installation. DBIDS has been used overseas since 2003.

Using handheld devices, 22nd SFS Airmen can automatically register visitors by scanning identification card barcodes at base gates. Information from the cards is wirelessly transmitted into the DBIDS database. The process takes approximately 15 to 20 seconds.

The new DBIDS 4.0 system does not require the manual entry of data from every person entering the installation like previous DBIDS versions.

Because the new system does not require manual data entry, long lines of personnel registering for the system should be avoidable.

"Our charge is to implement DBIDS without negative impact on our Airmen and visitors," said Robert Sanderson, 22nd SFS plans and programs chief.

For any Airman or visitor who has been at an installation within the central time zone, that uses DBIDS, new registration is not required at McConnell.

The system will recognize Common Access Cards, Teslin cards and DBIDS created cards.

"The main benefit is that DBIDS will reduce the risk of allowing unauthorized personnel on the installation," said Maj. Jason Harris, 22nd SFS commander. "DBIDS also provides the ability to verify lost, stolen or fake identification cards, along with the ability to flag persons suspected of inappropriate activities."

DBIDS will verify ID information with a local database maintained by Security Forces, as well as a regional database, the Defense Manpower Data Center.

The new system will enhance security for McConnell's 63 KC-135 Stratotankers and safety for Team McConnell Airmen.

"DBIDS will allow the SFS Airmen working the gate to concentrate more on physical indicators of a threat and not so much on the validity of the identification card presented for entry," said Sanderson.

In addition to DBIDS, the 22nd SFS will implement a license plate reader system. The LPR will track the plates of vehicles entering the base in order to identify stolen vehicles, wanted persons, potential terrorist and suspended drivers.

"These systems are part of our effort to help secure McConnell so that it remains a safe environment for you and your family," said Harris


Frequently asked questions:

What will change about gate access?
The guards at the gate will scan the barcode on your ID card or pass to determine authorization for installation access in addition to evaluating authentication features and expiration date on the card.

Who is required to register with DBIDS? Everyone will be required to register. Most people will be automatically registered when their ID card or pass is scanned at the gate.

Who will require manual DBIDS registration? Any person with an ID card without a barcode. Any person with an ID without a barcode may be required to obtain a new ID card for access. In some cases, DBIDS cards will be issued at the visitor center.

Do all forms of ID cards have to be registered? Yes. For example, a person may be both a civil servant and a retiree and will have two DoD ID cards. Both cards will need to be registered.

For more information about DBIDS 4.0, contact SSgt Alfonte Thomas or SrA Adam Smith through the 22nd SFS page at www.facebook.com/22sfs.