The Transportation Security Administration’s $23 million pilot test of Transportation Worker Identification Credential biometric card readers at 17 sites failed to prove that the technology actually works as intended, according to a new government report.
In a 72-page report made public earlier this month, the Government Accountability Office poked holes in the accuracy and reliability of TSA’s nearly three-year test and evaluation of the electronic TWIC card readers TSA wants to use to match fingerprints embedded in the credential with the cardholder’s prints.
Some truck drivers and port workers said recently they have experienced long delays in receiving three-year extensions to their TWICs, which grant them unescorted access to U.S. ports.
GAO said the testing flaws its investigators identified were so egregious that they “call into question the program’s premise and effectiveness in enhancing security.”
Not only did TSA’s testing fail to collect accurate data detailing the number of TWIC reader card failures at some of the ports participating in the pilot, but it also did not keep track of the number of access denials at some port gates, GAO said.
For additional coverage, see the May 20 print edition of Transport Topics.
