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Scott implementing new fingerprint security measure

  • Published
  • 375th Security Forces Squadron
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Physical security encompasses the measures that prevent or deter attackers from accessing a facility, resource, or information stored on physical media. It can be as simple as a locked door or as elaborate as multiple layers of security personnel and sensors. Scott AFB is implementing a program designed to add another layer of physical security protection, the Defense Biometrics Identification System, or DBIDS. DBIDS stores identity data, verifying the access authorization of all personnel entering military installations. It uses the barcode technology on the Common Access Card in combination with fingerprint data.
One of DBIDS' greatest attributes is the ability to detect an invalid identification card. With the use of biometrics, identities are confirmed despite the best attempts to use fake credentials. Military members in Iraq and Afghanistan are checking visitors and workers using biometrics and have been able to detain terrorists when fingerprints matched those found on an improvised explosive device. According to U.S. Northern Command, systems like DBIDS have denied access approximately 48,000 times (out of 6 million scans) per month in 2007 for items such as expired cards and people barred from base, not authorized on base, and others. An additional benefit of DBIDS is the ability to control access based on each visitor's needs. Commanders have the ability to limit the time individuals are allowed on the installation based on preferences, force protection conditions, etc.
The 375th Security Forces Squadron has pre-loaded most active duty assigned CAC cardholders' information into DBIDS to allow initial access; however, Team Scott members still need to complete the DBIDS enrollment process to maximize functionality. All CAC, family members, and retiree card holders are required to be registered into DBIDS. Whenever a member is issued a new CAC, they will need to report to one of the Security Forces facilities to update enrollment. Security Forces will be focused on issuing DBIDS cards to non-CAC holders and contractors employed on base. Eventually, visitors, vendors, and temporary access passes will be replaced by DBIDS cards and passes. Enrollment will continue until every person assigned to Scott AFB is registered through a terminal at the Security Forces Compound (Bldg. 1970, Room 102) or the Scott AFB Visitor Control Center (Bldg. 1000).
So what does this mean for Team Scott members? For individuals working on base who already are CAC holders, the only difference will be installation entry control. Security forces will use a handheld scanner on every DoD ID to validate credentials for entry to the base rather than just performing a visual inspection. The average time for this scan is three seconds, or about the time it currently takes the Security Forces entry controller to visually inspect your identification card. The scanner connects wirelessly to a database, which verifies your credentials instantly and validates your base access.
Security Forces is currently registering CAC holders into DBIDS, followed by family members and retirees. Full DBIDS implementation is expected in 2011.
For more information, contact Ken Hagood at 256-5403.