Access Control
& Security Systems

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched a pilot program using fingerprints to secure public lockers at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport.

Immediately following the events of September 11, 2001, lockers inside airport security checkpoints were shut down for security reasons and have remained closed. There was concern that a credentialed employee, not subject to security screening, could put a prohibited item in a traditional, key operated locker. A co-conspirator, using the key, could then collect that item from the locker and possibly take it onto a plane and jeopardize the safety of the passengers.

The new lockers use a biometric, computerized lock system offered by Smarte Carte Inc., St. Paul, Minn. A touch screen leads the customer through the locker rental process, where, instead of using a key, the user's fingerprint verifies identity when storing or retrieving items.

The TSA will review the results of the program and, if successful, will revise its policy, which currently prohibits the use or installation of any lockers at airports.

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