FORT JACKSON, S.C. (Sept. 11, 2014) -- A new security measure will be going into place next week at Fort Jackson's gates.
While installation security has been testing the program for several weeks, the Defense Biometrics Identification System, or DBIDS, will go into full effect beginning Monday. DBIDS is a handheld screening device used to scan Department of Defense identification cards.
"We are very eager to have DBIDS fully employed and functioning at Fort Jackson," said Col. Michael Graese, Fort Jackson garrison commander. "This DoD system will enhance Fort Jackson's force protection and ensure proper identity management by providing the capability to quickly and systematically verify credentials and individuals attempting to enter the installation."
Unlike the Mobilisa, the scanning device now being used to check ID cards at the gates, DBIDS is connected to the National Crime Information Center, or NCIC, said Fred Vasquez, installation physical security officer. The information available from the current Mobilisa system is archived on a voluntary basis from participating organizations.
DBIDS receives constant updates on changes to personnel credential status, criminal warrants and missing ID cards.
"I think it's going to be an awesome system once we fully implement it," Vasquez said. "It's our primary responsibility to secure and safeguard the people who work here on Fort Jackson. I think it's better than what we have out there right now."
The installation has already begun to use the system on a trial basis at the gates, issuing the new scanner to one guard at each gate to get them accustomed to the new technology. Vasquez said DBIDS has already flagged illegitimate ID cards being used by drivers entering the gates. Mostly, these have been ID cards reported lost or stolen by DoD employees, but were later recovered by the owners, he said. The card owners continued using these cards even though they had been reported missing.
DBIDS is not intended to replace human observation, Vasquez said.
"We always have the human aspect of checking ID cards, which is required," he said. "This is just in addition, another layer of security that we've added to checking ID cards at the gate."
Vasquez said the installation anticipates the new system to have an impact of traffic at the gates as the new program is rolled out. But, he said, these delays will not be permanent.
"Whenever you implement a new system you're going to have some setbacks," Vasquez said.
Scanning of DoD identification cards takes approximately 10 seconds to validate and an additional one to three seconds to transmit the results, Graese said. Over the next few weeks, guards will randomly use DBIDS to capture the initial scanning.
"While we implement the system, we ask for patience from all of Fort Jackson," Graese said.
Non-CAC card holders who require frequent access onto the installation will be required to be vetted and will be issued a DBIDS access card from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Physical Security Office at 4394 Strom Thurmond Blvd.
Graese said the installation has already identified an issue with retiree ID card and dependent ID cards issued before 2005.
"These individuals may need to go to the ID card facility to get a new card because the ID credentials may not be compatible with the new system," he said. "Security guards will notify these individuals if there is an issue with their ID credentials. We are not confiscating these ID cards nor denying access."
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