Florida Uses Integrated Solution For Transit Worker Identity Card System

The state of Florida is using an integrated identity and credential management solution for all 12 deepwater seaports and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles headquarters as the backbone of its transit worker identity card system.

GE’s Identity Commander system supports the production of an identity card based on the federal government approved PIV II specifications. Biometric-enabled enrollment is handled by ImageWare Systems to be compliant with future federal credential programs. The system uses fixed and mobile card readers across the state.

“In support of the evolving federal credentialing program, GE Security’s Identity Commander is already providing Florida ports with a comprehensive solution that supports and manages the issuance of smart cards,” said Dean Seavers, president and CEO of GE Security. “This scalable and interoperable solution works with existing smart cards and is helping better secure Florida’s ports.”

GE Security began working with the state in 2001, and the system was upgraded to work with the Florida Uniform Port Access Credential and federal TWIC program.

With the FUPAC system, the port authority checks and confirms the employer sponsorship and the binds the applicant to the biometric information while then validating the identity source documents. The decision on whether to issue a badge is made after fingerprints are submitted to law enforcement and a background check is conducted. The badge also conforms to HSPD-12 and FIPS 201 standards.

The system gives government and law enforcement support of the first phase of biometric identity management like proofing and vetting.

“The combination of GE Security and ImageWare technology provides the state of Florida with an end-to-end solution that enhances port security and boosts efficiency of commercial activity while complying with the principles of HSPD-12 and TWIC,” said Jim Miller, ImageWare’s chairman and CEO. “This project further demonstrates the usefulness of ImageWare’s biometric and secure credentialing capabilities to government organizations and private enterprises.”

About the Author

Brent Dirks is senior editor for Security Today and Campus Security Today magazines.

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