MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- 42nd Security Forces Squadron personnel began updates to the Defense Biometrics Identification System, or DBIDS, here, Monday.
DBIDS is a card-scanning tool that uses barcodes and biometrics to identify cardholders. The system verifies authorizations and assigns access privileges based on identity, affiliation and the current threat level.
This equates to rapid identity proofing and vetting of personnel requesting access onto installations, and allows security forces to stop potential threats at the base perimeter.
In addition to enhanced security, more timely access to the installation is expected as result of the upgrade.
The current DBIDS 4.0 platform’s return on scans can take anywhere from five to nine seconds, or as much as 15 to 20 seconds to respond. DBIDS 5.0 is currently returning scans in under a second at installations that have already been upgraded, to include Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, and Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi.
Lt. Col. Brian Copper Jr., 42nd SFS commander sad the DBIDS 5.0 upgrade will allow security forces to continue to provide enhanced detection screening while still allowing timely access to the installation.
The upgraded system will allow security forces personnel to identify individuals with wants and warrants, he said.
The upgrade will be accompanied by better processes for both base security operations and base personnel, and new equipment, which will include updated handheld scanners, and all-in-one computers, reducing workspace footprints by 40 percent.
The system is maintained by the Defense Manpower Data Center, owners of Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, or DEERS, and the Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System, or RAPIDS. Department of Defense credentials scanned at installation entry control points are interconnected with DEERS and the FBI National Criminal Information Center. Credentials not already validated by DEERS can be registered into DBIDS at the Maxwell Visitors Center.
Future upgrades for the DBIDS are already planned, with additions to include a web-based virtual visitor center to allow DoD card holders to request visitor passes online and the ability for DBIDS scanners to read compliant driver’s licenses, eliminating the need for visitor’s passes.