New security measures at gates

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Danielle Powell
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. --  There are new security measures at the front and south gates beginning Monday. 

Those who enter the Columbus AFB, are now having their identification cards scanned by a new technology system called the "Mobilisa." 

This handheld device checks an ID against more than 140 databases, including the FBI terror watch list and Interpol. It also checks for warrants on the local and national level. The new technology will help to fight against stolen IDs and if a person is barred from the base or has any outstanding warrants. 

"Ultimately, it will assist our entry controllers in providing a quick entry to the installation and more importantly ensuring our installation is secure," said Maj. Kiley Stinson, 14th Security Forces Squadron commander. 

"What Mobilisa does is pull from more than 140 databases when checking a person's identification," said Capt. Kevin McMahon, 14th SFS. 

There are no privacy act concerns with this device. The screen does not show a person's social security number or any other personal information that would be needed for identity theft. Each scanner is password protected and will log off after five minutes of idle time. No personal information is stored in the device, so if it become lost or stolen, no one will be able to access any information in the system. 

If someone tried to gain access to the base forcibly and ran the gate, the Mobilisa is able to take photos of the car and license plate which can then be sent to the local police department, said Capt. McMahon. 

The gate guards, as well as the 14th Security Forces Squadron members, have been trained on the devices. CAFB is expecting minimal impact to traffic entering the base as it only take two to three seconds to have the card scanned. Those entering base are asked to have ID cards available when approaching the gate. Mobilisa can scan CAC cards, retired ID cards and most state driver's licenses. It is also helpful to have a second form of identification present at all times. 

Personnel are asked not to ask the gate guard for a demonstration of the device for it will delay the process. 

This system has been tested at the gates this week and will be completely implemented Monday. 

For more information, call Capt. McMahon at 434-7132 or Tech. Sgt. Christopher Fitzhugh at 434-7113.