FSP 1.1

Airport lockers: fingerprints required

MSP now has lockers for rent inside security.
Fingerprinting is now required.

TSA 91-02
Tuesday, September 3, 2002
TSA Press Office: 202-385-1800

New Airport Lockers Use Fingerprints to Keep Valuables Safe and Airports Secure
-- Technology Unveiled Today in Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport By
Representatives James Oberstar and Martin Sabo

Today, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) joined Representatives
James L. Oberstar, (D-MN) and Martin O. Sabo, (D-MN) as they announced the
launch of an innovative pilot program using fingerprints to secure public lockers
at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport.

Immediately following the s 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, unveiled today, utilize a biometric, computerized lock system
offered by Smarte Carte, Inc., headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. 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.

During today’s news conference, Rep. Oberstar, ranking member of the House
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, said, “It is important to balance
security and customer service. This pilot program shows great promise to
deliver both.”

Rep. Sabo, ranking member of the House Appropriations Transportation
Subcommittee commented, “Lockers are a necessary part of any airport as they
are a convenience to passengers. It is fortunate that both TSA, the airport and
Smarte Carte are working together to provide this service.”

The Transportation Security Administration, (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.