Friday, May 09, 2008

Gate security upgraded with ID scanning system

Photo by Marny Malin
Hand held scanners at all Fort Belvoir gates can quickly identify problems that may prevent an individual from entering post.

Fort Belvoir recently re-instituted a security system to all of its gates to ensure the safety and security of the installation for its commuters and inhabitants.

The Mobilisa Defense ID 4000 is a handheld device that scans the bar code on all identification cards and drivers’ licenses and provides security personnel with an immediate response as to whether or not motorists have authorization to access the installation.

The previous system had encountered problems because it was storing information onto servers. The newer system only stores traffic counts and no other personal information.
This system is already being used at many DoD facilities and is a proven method to deter the threat of terrorism, crime or unauthorized access to secure facilities.

“The system has been extensively researched and, in no way, violates one’s personal rights or liberties,” Lt. Mike Hancock of the Fort Belvoir Police Department said.

When scanning the card, the system compares a person’s information against various databases that are normally accessible to the public.

“Many are concerned this system is collecting and storing personal data for future reference,” Hancock said. “The only information collected by the system is the number of identification
cards it has scanned.”

With the implementation of these handheld devices, Fort Belvoir has enhanced its security capabilities.

“One of the benefits is the device scans a holder’s card and can check for outstanding warrants by any local, state or federal jurisdiction,” Hancock said. “It also has the capability to compare against local installation (restriction) lists to see if the person can legally enter the installation.”

With the institution of this new security system, there are some growing pains as security officers and motorists become accustomed to it.

There have been reports of longer lines at the gates on post, possibly due to the use of the new system.

“We are aware of the back ups at certain gates due to the implementation of the Mobilisa systems installation wide,” Director of Emergency Services David Parchman said. “The purpose of the implementation at all gates is to improve our security and reduce the possibility of allowing access to individuals not authorized to enter the Installation.

“It is not our intent to compromise the safety of the motoring public with the implementation of Mobilisa, just as it is not our intent to compromise the safety of those who live and work on the installation by not implementing Mobilisa,” Parchman said. Hancock said that when the devices were first implemented, there were not enough units for all the access points, but
now they have purchased enough to have at least one at each gate at all times.

According to Parchman, DES is trying to purchase 10 additional units.

“DES is looking to eventually equip all security personnel at the gates with a device,” Hancock added. “What we want is each security officer at the gate to have a unit on their side. So, even if they are not actively on an access control road, they still have a unit to help scan if traffic begins backing up.”