sbids  Barksdale defenders stop armed robbery suspect

by Senior Airman Joseph Raatz
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

4/8/2015 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- When Barksdale defenders Senior Airman Michael Clark and Airman 1st Class Jack Andersen checked in for entry-controller duty March 25, they expected to spend their shift checking ID cards and directing traffic as usual.

 But their day took an unusual turn when one particular car rolled up to the gate.

 "When this gentleman pulled up to the gate we scanned his ID through DBIDS like we do with everyone else," Clark said. "Unlike most other people, his name popped up for outstanding warrants."

 The Defense Biometric Identification System, or DBIDS, is a database Security Forces uses to verify the identity of every person who enters an Air Force installation. The system contains information such as the person's photo, address, height and weight and whether there are any items of interest such as suspended licenses or warrants.

 "When his scan came up positive for outstanding warrants, I immediately knew something was up," Clark said. "I told him to standby while we cleared up something with the law enforcement desk."

 After Clark radioed the desk and informed them of the situation, the Security Forces personnel at the desk conducted further research and discovered the individual was wanted in connection with an armed robbery. The desk personnel then instructed Clark to detain the suspect until Bossier Parish Sheriffs could arrive to take custody.

 "When Clark told me what was going on, I stepped in to provide backup and direct traffic away from the suspect," Andersen explained. "The suspect then drove off, cutting through the visitor's center and search pit. We don't know if it was because of a misunderstanding or because he was trying to get away, but we were able to secure him in the area and hold him there."

 Generally, when DBIDS flags people for an outstanding warrant, the warrant is for things such as failure to appear for a court date or to pay child support. Clark said this is the first time he's seen anything as serious as armed robbery.

 "It just proves you have to be on your toes at all times," he said. "You never know what's going to happen at any given moment."

 "I'm glad we have DBIDS," Andersen said. "You obviously can't let someone like that on base, but just looking at the guy you never would have known."

 During the incident, traffic backed up at the gate. These delays inconvenience those waiting in line to get on base, and are often a source of frustration for the thousands of people who use the gates on a daily basis.

 "When there are delays at the gate, this is often the kind of thing our entry controllers are doing," said Tech. Sgt. Alfred Eide, 2nd Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of installation gates. "They do this to keep our base and personnel safe and secure. I understand people waiting in line can become frustrated with the delay, but I would ask them to remain calm and try to be patient with us while we accomplish our law enforcement duties."

 Next time you're sitting at the gate, frustrated and waiting for traffic to clear, keep in mind that those Security Forces personnel may just be keeping your office or home safe from a violent criminal; security and peace-of-mind are surely worth a short delay, Eide continued.

 "These Airmen did a fantastic job," he said. "They kept a rough customer off the installation and away from its people. It's just another example of the excellent job they do every day."

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