ID Cards for Port Workers
While I am strongly opposed to a national ID, I have consistently said that giving strongly secured ID cards to groups like port workers is a good idea. It’s happening in New England:
The scannable card serves as proof that a background check has been performed and it contains features aimed at preventing misuse. In addition to a photograph, the card contains a smart chip that carries a copy of the holder’s fingerprint. Port and delivery workers, cargo handlers, and other employees who must venture into sensitive or secure areas will be required to submit to a fingerprint scan before entering those locations. The scanning machine will automatically perform a match analysis with the fingerprint embedded in the smart chip.
This is a great application for these cards.
paul • October 21, 2008 2:06 PM
Of course, once again you have to have a very good handle on the process by which such cards are issued. One nice thing in an application like this (access to secure areas of ports) is that the community of people with access is fairly small.