FORT BLISS, Texas – It may take a little longer to get on post since new gate security measures went into effect in July, but those with business here have a demonstrably safer working and living environment than they did before.
“We put the access procedures in place to make Fort Bliss safer for those who live, work and visit here," said Lt. Col. David Woodruff, chief of protection for 1st Armored Division. “This slight inconvenience is a small price to pay for having a safer post.”
In the first two weeks after implementation new protocols, security personnel turned away 172 individuals for reasons ranging from felony convictions in the last 10 years, active arrest warrants to being registered as a sex offender.
At the Chaffee gate on Aug. 10, security personnel denied access to 30 of 440 visitors. The reasons for denying them access were –
- 5 for felony conviction within the past 10 years
-20 for being convicted of crimes encompassing sexual assault, armed robbery, rape, child molestation, production or possession of child pornography, trafficking humans, and drug possession with intent to sell or distribute.
-1 for being a registered sex offender
-3 for active arrest warrants
The changes to gate security help to bring Fort Bliss in line with Homeland Security Pres-idential Directive 12, Department of Defense and Army requirements, said Lt. Col. Jeremy Willingham, director of Emergency Services here.
“These changes bring Fort Bliss closer to being in line with the mandated security requirements and by extension will provide increased security to not only those that live and work on the installation but also anyone that may be visiting Fort Bliss,” Willingham said.
Improvements included requiring all adult occupants in vehicles to present a valid government-issued identification card at gates, such as a driver’s license. At least one occupant of every vehicle needs a Department of Defense-issued identification card. Otherwise, the vehicle operator will need a temporary pass.
To accommodate these changes, Fort Bliss officials opened five new visitor control centers where individuals can request post passes good for one to 30 days.
Wait times in the visitor centers are generally less than 10 minutes after 10 a.m., according to Willingham. Peak hours for the visitor centers are between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., with most traffic coming through the Chaffee Street gate.
“These Visitor Control Centers have been opened as a means by which to ensure that we can adequately support the members of the El Paso community as well as others that may want to come enjoy the events that are held on the installation,” Willingham said.
Officials pledge to continue to keep Fort Bliss “visitor-friendly” by continually evaluating procedures.
“We are closely monitoring the use of VCCs and will adjust manpower and other operational aspects to ensure we meet security requirements, while allowing for prompt, stress-free access,” said Guy Volb, 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss deputy Public Affairs officer.
For more information on Fort Bliss access policy and how to obtain a visitor pass contact the Directorate of Emergency Services Physical Security Division at 915-744-1551.