Gaining unescorted access to Rock Island Arsenal requires understanding and adhering to specific security protocols. For individuals not possessing a Department of Defense (DOD) ID card, Federal PIV card, or an existing installation visitor pass, a National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index (NCIC-III) background check is mandatory. This security measure ensures the safety and security of the installation by verifying your identity and reviewing your criminal history against the Army Fitness Adjudication Standards. Individuals with records that raise concerns under these standards will be denied unescorted access.
This background check policy applies to everyone aged 18 and above within a vehicle seeking unescorted entry. All eligible individuals in the vehicle must undergo and pass the background check before access is granted.
Understanding the Visitor Access Procedure
To streamline your entry to Rock Island Arsenal, familiarize yourself with the visitor access process at the Visitor Welcome Center. The background check procedure typically takes approximately 5-8 minutes per person. To minimize delays, especially during peak times, it is advisable to factor in this processing time when planning your visit.
For added convenience, the required visitor access request form is available online, allowing you to pre-fill it before your arrival. This form can also be completed on-site at the Visitor Welcome Center on the day of your visit if preferred.
Submitting Your Visitor Access Request
To further expedite the process, you have the option to email your completed visitor access request form to [email protected]. When utilizing email submission, please adhere to the following guidelines to ensure efficient processing:
-
Advance Submission: Due to a high volume of requests, it is crucial to submit your request at least 3 business days prior to your intended visit date. This advance notice allows adequate time for processing.
-
Single Request Submission: To prevent processing delays, please submit only one request per individual or group. Multiple submissions for the same pass from different individuals can hinder the overall processing efficiency.
-
Check Spam/Junk Folders: Regularly check your email spam or junk folders for responses from the visitor access team. Email providers may occasionally misclassify official communications.
-
Provide Complete Information: Ensure your initial email contains as much relevant information as possible. Often, providing comprehensive details in your first communication can facilitate quicker processing and resolution of your request or any queries you may have.
By requesting a visitor pass, you implicitly consent to a background check utilizing the NCIC-III. This FBI database consolidates criminal history records from all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, providing a comprehensive overview for security assessments.
Army Fitness Adjudication Standards: Disqualifying Factors for Access
The Army Fitness Adjudication Standards outline specific criteria that may disqualify individuals from gaining unescorted access to Rock Island Arsenal. These standards are designed to maintain safety, security, and good order on the installation. The disqualifying factors include:
-
Criminal Arrest History: If the NCIC-III reveals criminal arrest information that leads the Installation Commander to believe the individual poses a potential risk to good order, discipline, or health and safety on the installation, access will be denied. This assessment is based on the nature and context of the arrest record.
-
Identity Verification Issues/Fraudulent Information: If the installation security personnel cannot verify an individual’s claimed identity, or if there is reasonable suspicion that fraudulent information has been submitted to gain access, entry will be denied. Individuals attempting to use fraudulent passes or conceal themselves to gain unauthorized entry will also be denied access under this provision and may face criminal charges.
-
Outstanding Arrest Warrants: Individuals with active arrest warrants in the NCIC system, regardless of the nature of the offense or violation, will be denied access. The presence of an outstanding warrant necessitates denial of entry.
-
Federal Installation Barment: If an individual is currently barred from entering or accessing any federal installation, they will be denied access to Rock Island Arsenal. Existing barment orders are enforced.
-
Serious Felony Convictions: Convictions for serious felonies including sexual assault, robbery, rape, child molestation, production or possession of child pornography, human trafficking, drug possession with intent to sell, or drug distribution will result in denial of access. These crimes represent significant security and safety concerns.
-
National Security Crimes: A U.S. conviction for espionage, sabotage, treason, terrorism, or murder will automatically disqualify an individual from accessing Rock Island Arsenal. These offenses pose direct threats to national security and safety.
-
Registered Sex Offender Status: Individuals registered as sex offenders will be denied unescorted access to the installation. This measure is in place to protect the vulnerable population on the Arsenal.
-
Recent Felony Convictions: A felony conviction within the past ten (10) years, irrespective of the specific offense, will result in denied access. This ten-year period reflects a timeframe for security concerns related to felony offenses.
-
Felony Firearms or Explosives Violations: Convictions for felony firearms or explosives violations, regardless of when they occurred, will lead to denial of access. These violations are considered permanent disqualifying factors due to the inherent risks involved.
-
Overthrow of U.S. Government Activities: Individuals who have engaged in acts or activities intended to overthrow the U.S. Government by force will be denied access. Such activities represent a fundamental threat to national security.
-
Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB) Identification: Individuals identified in the Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB) as known or suspected terrorists, or affiliated with organizations linked to terrorism or terrorist support, will be denied access. This measure aligns with national security efforts to prevent terrorism.
Denial Appeals Process
Visitors who are denied access based on derogatory information revealed during the background check have the right to request an installation denial appeal packet. Personnel at the Visitor Welcome Center will provide individuals with the necessary information and materials to initiate this appeal process.
By understanding these procedures and standards, visitors can ensure a smoother and more efficient entry process to Rock Island Arsenal while contributing to the overall security of the installation.
