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McChord steps up security: New high-tech scanners instantly verify ID cards

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  For those looking to gain access to McChord, a simple flash of one's common access card or badge will no longer suffice.

In a move that took effect June 15, U.S. Protect guards and 62nd Security Forces Squadron Airmen are now using a defense identification system to scan IDs of those wanting to gain access to the base.

U.S. Protect guards and 62nd SFS Airmen use hand-held scanners to run the bar codes on CAC cards and drivers licenses against multiple national law enforcement databases and McChord's personnel-exclusion roster, said Senior Master. Sgt. William Riffenburg, 62nd SFS.

"The system is capable of checking for fake, lost, stolen and terminated military ID cards, as well as for criminal and terror suspects relatively instantaneously," Sergeant Riffenburg said.

Once the ID is scanned, the device automatically checks the information against multiple databases for matches. If a match is found, the operator is alerted, and the guard will take the appropriate action to protect the installation, Sergeant Riffenburg said.

Previously, guards at the front gate had to memorize a long list of names of people who were barred from the installation, said Staff Sgt. Sean Lynn, 62nd SFS.

"That's a lot to ask guys to memorize," Sergeant Lynn said. "Now they don't have to."

The system is also capable of conducting a manual search by typing in a name, social security number or date of birth.

To alleviate long lines to get onto the base due to implementation of the new system, Sergeant Riffenburg recommends people have their IDs in their hands and their window already rolled down once they approach the guard.

"Security isn't an inconvenience, it's here for everyone's protection," he said. "This system increases our ability to provide security."

McChord is the fourth base in the Air Force to implement a defense identification system, Sergeant Lynn said.