US Customs Service to use Visionics live scan systems for airport security

NOVEMBER 29--The US Customs Service has placed multiple orders for Visionics Corp. (Jersey City, NJ; www.visionics.com) FingerPrinter CMS live scan fingerprint systems. The value of the orders, including one year of maintenance, is approximately $763K. The company anticipates the installations to be complete by March of 2002.

Joseph J. Atick, chairman and CEO of Visionics, stated, "As a critical mode of entry to our country, it is imperative that we conduct background checks on those who work at Customs facilities at the airports as well as other individuals who have access to these areas. Our live scan systems make that process more efficient and easier to maintain."

The US Customs Service is installing the CMS systems within its facilities at a total of 16 major international airports. The purpose of the systems is to conduct criminal background checks on all employees (local service employees, cleaning personnel, food and beverage handlers, and so forth) who need access to the Customs Service areas within the airport facilities. Visionics' live scan electronic fingerprint scanning systems are used to digitally capture high-quality prints for submission to the FBI. If an employee is found to have a criminal record, the service company or airline is required to assign another individual to work within the designated Customs area in the airport.