New security measures at base gates

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Latanya Reid
  • Thunderbolt staff writer
Gaining access onto MacDill can sometimes be a tedious process, proving that patience is a virtue. But individuals can help to expedite this process with just a little added attention focused on newly implemented policies and procedures, ultimately making it a smooth and seemingly painless process.

Since the events of Sept.11, security measures used by law enforcement agencies in the United States significantly increased due to the heightened threat.

As a result, the Department of Defense created several preventative security measures and procedures for military installations.

Prior to Sept. 11, individuals could gain access onto base by having only the Department of Defense Form 2220, Vehicle Registration Decal, on their vehicles, said Lt. Col. Brent French, 6th Security Forces Squadron commander.

Now the base has a 100 percent ID card check policy for individuals coming through the gate, he said. This policy is part of tightened security measures and helps prevent trespassers from gaining access to the base.

While policies have been put in place to tighten security, there are also procedures to be followed when approaching the gates. The hand signal directions given by the security forces members at the gates are to show drivers where to go and were put in place to help expedite the traffic flow.

"Drivers not paying attention to the hand directions and signals being given is a concern for security forces personnel who work the gates," said Senior Master Sgt. David Wood, 6 SFS operations superintendent.

Drivers should be aware of the environment as they approach the gates and be prepared to follow the directions given by security members.

Newly installed drop barriers and tire shredder devices have also been recently added to prevent unauthorized entry onto base. Another project to install additional security mechanisms at the gates will begin in June, said Sergeant Wood.

One of the main goals while improving the security measures on base is to keep individuals safe as they approach and enter through the gates and drivers are asked to be patient during the improvement process, he said.