[January 27, 2011]

3M Security Systems Debuts World's First Multilateral Border Crossing Program

Travelers between participating nations of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will enjoy faster, hassle-free travel due to a novel border security program designed by 3M (News - Alert) Security Systems. CARIPASS, the first multilateral border crossing program in the world, is a voluntary travel card program that provides secure and simple border crossings for citizens and legal residents of ten CARICOM nations. With the introduction of CARIPASS, participating governments aim to enhance regional security and support expedited travel throughout the participating Member States.

Self-service border crossing gates process CARIPASS, a voluntary travel card program that provides secure and simple border crossings for citizens and legal residents of ten CARICOM nations. It is the first multilateral border crossing program in the world, and was designed by 3M. (Photo: 3M)

To participate in CARIPASS, eligible travelers must pre-enroll at local immigration or designated offices, and have a facial image and two fingerprint images captured. Users are then issued a card with a 2D barcode which they can use to electronically process through self-service border crossing gates. These gates are connected to the system's user database, and after matching the user's biometric data with that on the card, the gates open, allowing the traveler to pass through. The gate prints a receipt for the traveler to document his or her valid entry.

CARIPASS utilizes a number of new technologies surced and integrated by 3M in response to CARICOM's needs, allowing travelers to move quickly between ten CARICOM nations: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

"This one-of-a-kind program which is premised on the cooperation of multiple sovereign states will help facilitate the efficient movement of travelers, while maintaining a high level of security," said Ms. Lynne Anne Williams, Executive Director, CARICOM IMPACS. "In working with 3M Security Systems, we were able to achieve a customized solution specific to our security needs and goals. We look forward to future phases of the system and extending it to other CARICOM Member States."

The creation of the program began after the successful implementation of a similar system used during the 2007 Cricket World Cup. After gaining a thorough understanding of the nature of travel between the participating countries and CARICOM's goals in expediting this traffic, security experts at 3M were able to introduce a whole solution. One of the key components of the system is the new electronic immigration gate, the 3M Autogate Solution. Autogates automate the border clearance process, allowing CARICOM to focus its immigration resources on higher risk travelers, while low risk travelers/CARIPASS holders benefit from quick and convenient processing.

For more information about the 3M Security Systems, visit www.3M.com/Security.

About 3M Security Systems Division
3M Security Systems Division is a trusted partner and industry leader in delivering end-to-end, innovative security solutions to businesses and governments worldwide-helping to ensure the security of people, documents and goods. 3M uses its broadband knowledge, in-depth experience and technological expertise to help solve an array of security challenges, including brand protection, product security, efficient passenger check-in, secure ID and passport document issuance and hardware and software system solutions for border management. 3M Security Systems technologies are used in over 100 countries around the world.

About 3M
3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $27 billion in sales, 3M employs about 80,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

3M is a trademark of 3M Company.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6587396&lang=en

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