Integrated Biometrics sensor featured in handheld device selected by U.S. Coast Guard

The United States Coast Guard has purchased 250 handheld devices equipped with Columbo FBI-certified FAP 30 single-digit fingerprint sensors from Integrated Biometrics to secure U.S. cargo facilities.

The “Mozaic ID” devices from Parroco Security Integration Group (P-SIG) featuring Columbo sensors will be used at ports to conduct identity verification for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) system. TWIC checks were put in place in 2002 to prevent terrorist attacks at container cargo facilities by biometrically verifying the identity of all employees with access to them, according to the announcement. More than two million TWIC cards have been issued.

“After 9/11, Homeland Security put TWIC in place to secure the nation’s cargo facilities against attack. These are workplaces where ease of use, durability and simplicity are key, and where environmental conditions can be harsh,” says Integrated Biometrics Executive Vice President David Gerulski. “Our products are recognized in the market for their ruggedness and mobility, making them the go-to devices for securing borders and facilities around the world. IB is thrilled that P-SIG chose Columbo as the biometric sensor for Mosaic ID.”

P-SIG won the contract for roughly $1.4 million in November, and has supplied handheld biometric readers to the Coast Guard since 2009.

In addition to biometric identity verification, the Mozaic ID mobile device demonstrates that the facilities’ TWIC card readers are functioning properly. The device is compliant with the Coast Guard’s “Reader Rule,” and compatible with TWIC, CAC, PIV, PIV-I and other smartcards.

“The Coast Guard requirements were stringent in terms of functionality, reliability, durability and mobility,” comments Jim Parroco, CEO of P-SIG. “Their decision to go with the Mozaic ID device is testament to the hard work and dedication of our development and manufacturing teams, and to the fantastic Columbo fingerprint scanner, which made a vital contribution to the winning of this contract.”

The contract follows closely the purchase of 5,000 Kojak fingerprint scanners by U.S. CBP to secure land and sea ports of entry. AMREL and SIC Biometrics also recently integrated IB scanners into new hand-held devices.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  fingerprint sensors  |  identity verification  |  Integrated Biometrics  |  port security  |  U.S. Coast Guard