New dorm locks enhance security

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  In an effort to provide Moody Airmen with more security, computerized keyless locks were recently installed for all base dormitory doors.

The new locks can now be opened with the simple swipe of a common access card, said Tech. Sgt. Alan Fraher, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron dormitory manager.

"The magnetic strip of each Airman's CAC will be programmed in our master database to open their individual dorm door and dayroom," said Sergeant Fraher. "Though this will be the primary way to access rooms, locks can still be opened by a standard key."

Approximately 750 locks were installed by Stanley Security Solutions.

"I am currently building the database for all the locks," said Sergeant Fraher. "When that is finished, dormitory Airmen will have to get their CAC programmed before the system is fully functional."

The system with integrated card reader has a tracking system and keeps a record of who accessed a room at a certain time.

"The tracking system will help us identify culprits of vandalism in common areas," said Sergeant Fraher. "We can also check the system when a resident suspects an unauthorized entry. A log is created of all lock activity." 

The installation of the locks was funded by an Air Combat Command quality of life enhancement project.

"The idea of new locks was planned two years ago, and it's great to finally have funding for it," said Master Sgt. Ronald Berard, 23rd Wing dormitory superintendent. "We can now replace the old locks that were constantly breaking and get rid of keys since they're expensive to replace."

Both Sergeant Berard and Sergeant Fraher hope the locks will be more reliable than standard keys.

"My door lock would never open the first time I turned the key, and I would have to play with it for a while," said Airman Maria Corona, 23rd Force Support Squadron re-enlistment and extension counselor. "I like the idea of opening the doors with our CAC, because we don't have to use a key anymore."

The master database is scheduled to be programmed by mid-January. Residents then must surrender their key and swipe their CAC to be added to the system.

"We ask everyone to be flexible because we understand there might be technical difficulties at the start," said Sergeant Berard. "Please inform us immediately if there's a malfunction."

In the event of a lock-out or lost CAC, residents must still call the dorm manager or first sergeant and obtain a temporary key.

"In the future, I'm hoping for an easier way to handle lock-outs with a kiosk system that can be added to the system," said Sergeant Fraher. "When the program is network-certified and we receive funds to purchase the machine, it would be installed in Dorm 551."