RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Tx –
Randolph Air Force Base entry controllers began scanning all ID cards using the Defense Biometric Identification System this week.
DBIDS is used for accountability and activity of those gaining entrance to the base, and ensures people barred from the base as well as those with banned driving privileges are not allowed on base. The program is used on many installations and is a measure of heightened security.
DBIDS has been active on Randolph since July 2010, but not during peak-travel hours such as the morning commute, lunch time and after the duty day until Saturday. This week, entry controllers used scanners 24 hours a day.
All base personnel, including family members, retirees and frequent visitors, must register their common access cards or other authorized ID cards into the DBIDS database to prevent further delays.
Those who are not registered, but possess a valid ID card, may still enter the base, but are urged to register promptly eliminating more congestion at gates. Registration is accomplished at either the base's Visitor Control Center, Bldg. 1032, or the Military Personnel Section, Bldg 399.
"Registration takes less than five minutes," said Master Sgt. Monica Harris, NCO in charge of DBIDS. "It would be very helpful if everyone acted quickly."
All gates were heavily trafficked Tuesday after the holiday weekend.
"This has been crazy," said William Cargo, 902nd Security Forces Squadron police officer. "When you're not registered, it takes a while to pull your information up on the scanner and then we have to explain to everyone how and where to get registered. We wouldn't have this problem if everyone was registered."
The congestion at the gates caused delays around base.
"I saw the line of cars backed all the way up to Loop 1604 from the West Gate," said Airman 1st Class Michelle Wertz, 359th Medical Group aerospace medical
technician. "We had patients' parents complaining of it taking almost two hours to get on base. Patients were very late to appointments."
"This should only be a temporary problem," Sergeant Harris said. "Soon everything will run smoothly.
The Visitor Center hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The MPF is open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information contact Sergeant Harris at 487-1645.