Datastrip Inc., specializing in mobile identity verification technology, has announced it will offer its DSV2+TURBO handheld biometric terminals to the U.S. Coast Guard for its Transportation Worker Identification Credential program. The DSV2+Turbo devices have been specified in the Coast Guard’s contract with integrator SAIC.

The program, which requires up to 300 handheld terminals equipped with Codebench’s TWICCheck and PIVCheck software, includes a $2.3 million contract. With the DSV2+TURBO devices it will be possible to read biometric data on TWIC cards for verification of identity by the coast guard at the nations’ ports.

Datastrip’s DSV2+TURBO handheld biometric reader along with Codebench’s TWICCheck software have completed the Transportation Security Administration’s Initial Capability evaluation scenarios so port operators and security integrators can employ this device for identity verification purposes.

The equipment will read the TWIC card and also connect it directly to any physical access control system (PACS).

“Datastrip’s role in the TWIC program demonstrates our commitment to supporting Homeland Security efforts and providing devices that operate in the most demanding environments,” said Joe Delaney, Datastrip’s vice president of sales and marketing.

 

“The DSV2+TURBO’s field-proven design, 16-hour battery life and resistance to harsh weather make it the right choice for implementing TWIC in rugged port environments.”

The DSV2+TURBO devices find use in other Coast Guard applications known as Biometrics at Sea. This program involves a field-test type of validation testing process being used in the Mona Passage between Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. With it, illegal immigrants can be identified by the Coast Guard and intercepted during their transit. This has already been effective in reducing the number of illegal entrants by about 50 percent.