Do you normally use the door by carousel three on the baggage claim level to access the secure area of Terminal 1? As of this week, a fingerprint scan is now required to access that stairwell.
This type of biometric reader is gradually being incorporated throughout the campus to provide an even safer environment for the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) community as well as the traveling public. This process started in 2014 with an enhanced way of capturing employee fingerprint scans, which allows the scans to be read by the new readers.
“With approximately 18,000 badged employees here at MSP, it wouldn’t be practical to impose a quick deadline for getting this done,” said Mike Everson, chief of police for the Airport Police Department (APD). “At this point we are about 90 percent complete in getting all airport employees upgraded to the new biometric standard.”
Not all card readers will be replaced with this technology; they are only being placed in locations that require a higher security clearance, as they are more secure than the standard PIN entry readers. The highest priority locations are doors that are located in public places that lead to the secure area, such as baggage claim or ticketing. Notices are being posted on doors before access is restricted.
The APD has been reviewing this type of technology since the mid-2000s, but earlier versions were not as reliable. This type of reader was selected in 2011 for its ease of use, accuracy and dependability.
“We continuously strive to provide the absolute safest and most secure airport environment possible,” said Everson. “Balancing customer service and the demands of an airport environment is not always easy. Biometric readers are one more way to help strike that balance, and I am excited for this new security enhancement at MSP.”
To use this reader, scan your badge and then your pointer finger. A screen on the reader will notify you when access is granted. If the reader doesn’t recognize your fingerprints, contact the badging office at 612-467-0623 or badging@mspmac.org.
