Vandenberg sets pace in base security

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Raymond Hoy
  • 30th Space Wing Public Affairs
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) --  Vandenberg has set the pace for Air Force installation security by implementing a new method of checking identification cards at base access points.

A new security scanner now in use here does much more than just check military ID cards. It has the ability to check a wide variety of ID cards, including driver's licenses and security badges. It can scan anything with a two-dimensional or three-dimensional barcode, as well as magnetic stripes, said Todd Miz, 30th Space Wing anti-terrorism officer. It also has the ability to detect fake IDs, he said.

The greatest benefit of the scanner is its ability to pull information from more than 140 databases, including those at other bases, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Central Intelligence Agency. This allows the scanner to receive instantaneous information about a person wanting to enter the installation.

This scanner, similar to the system used at military installations in Europe, is functionality different in that it uses compiled databases that are updated regularly. The system in Europe requires an installation to build its own database.

"With this tool, we are able to check the available databases to ensure people gaining access to this base don't have warrants for arrest or felonies on their record, or that they are not on a terrorist watch list," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Johnson, 30th Security Forces Squadron assistant anti-terrorism officer. "This security tool gives us the opportunity to validate (people's) access to this community, whether they're military members, dependents, civilian workers, retirees or even temporary visitors."

But people with unfavorable information attached to their records won't necessarily be barred from the base.

"Everybody who has a flag raised on the scan of (his or her) ID will require a second look by a law enforcement officer to review individual circumstances," Mr. Miz said. "Everyone will be looked at on a case-by-case basis."

Security forces officials expect minimal delays as a result of the scanner's use.

"We are beginning with a slow phase-in period so we can determine the impact at different gates during different traffic periods," Sergeant Johnson said. "We don't expect too much of an impact."

For now, the new scanner will only be used at the gates, but its use in the future will probably expand dramatically.

"We expect to use the scanner in a variety of our security measures," Sergeant Johnson said. "A large impact is expected in its proposed use for visitor procedures."

Through a soon-to-be-determined procedure, Airmen will be able to vouch for visitors from their computers by logging onto a secure Web site and providing information about their guests and when they are expected to arrive.

"In some cases, this will keep people from having to come to the visitor center to sign in their guests," Sergeant Johnson said. "Of course, force protection conditions may affect that from time to time."

Eventual uses also may include restricted-area badge processing, facility access, incident-scene accountability, vehicle registration and even hunting registration.

The scanner system currently is in use at other Department of Defense installations in the United States; most of them Navy but a few Army as well. Air Force Space Command is looking into implementing this system command-wide.