Another first for Scott: Defense Biometrics Identification System Published Nov. 21, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Woodward 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Scott has made another movement toward enhancing technology and base security by being the first Air Mobility Command base to install the Defense Biometrics Identification System. Installation was completed in October, but now Scott personnel needs to get registered. DBIDS is a DoD-owned system developed by the Defense Manpower Data Center to manage personnel, property and installation access at DoD installations. Currently, 375th Security Forces Squadron installation controllers check each identification card that comes through the gates of Scott for validity. "There are more than 60,000 people who have access to Scott," said Heather Sims, 375th SFS plans and programs chief. "There is also a list of about 100 names that are not allowed access to Scott. Although, 375th SFS personnel are well trained, DBIDS provides better tracking and no human error." Currently, some bases overseas and in the U.S. have already started to use DBIDS. "Other bases have seen better detection in expired and fraudulent I.D. cards," said Staff Sgt. Brandon Hoosier, 375th SFS electrical security systems NCO. With the use of DBIDS, a 375th SFS member would scan the ID card and in about three seconds, which is about the same amount of time it takes a 375th SFS member to manually scan an identification card. "The scan would show how many times a person has come through, at what times they are allowed on base and what areas they are allowed to be on," said Ken Hagood, 375th SFS assistant operations officer. For visitors and contractors, they would be issued a temporary badge just as they are now through the Visitor Control Center, which would also give at what times and locations they have access to. "The scan even says who is allowed access during which Force Protection Conditions," said Mrs. Sims. Additional information can also be added to DBIDS. Driver's license information can be entered in case someone forgets their Common Access Card. Fingerprints and vehicle information can also be added. "DBIDS shows age which will help find if someone is drinking underage, what pets they have registered and who is allowed to carry personal weapons," said Master Sgt. Neal Thurston, 375th SFS special programs officer. The DoD has plans to make DBIDS regional, thus any person trying to gain access to a DoD installation in a certain region would not have to reregister into the system. Eventually, DBIDS will be seen at all continental U.S. installations. "At some point, we would like to install automated gates, operated by one 375th SFS member, that help with manning," said Mrs. Sims. The scanner also connects to law enforcement databases to ensure there are no outstanding warrants. DBIDS can be expanded as much as Scott can and wants. "It could be used at each building," said Simms. JTF Scott personnel, dependents, contractors, retirees and everyone trying to gain access to Scott, will be entered into the DBIDS database. Scott personnel will begin registering by individual units at the 375th SFS building, Bldg. 1970 or at the Visitor Control Center, Bldg. 1020. Afterward, registration will be maintained as personnel renew their identification cards through the DEERS office. Registration will also become part of the in/out processing that personnel already go through. Registration is also simple, it takes about four minutes. Contractors will register as they enter through the VCC. Dependents may register with their sponsor, or on their own. Retirees may also register on their own. "We are trying to make the system mobile to better reach people, like retirees at Retiree Appreciation Day," said Sergeant Hoosier. The 375th SFS plans to have registration completed by Oct. 31, 2010.