Transportation Worker Identification Credential: Card Reader Pilot Results Are Unreliable; Security Benefits Need to Be Reassessed
Abstract
Within DHS, TSA and USCG manage the TWIC program, which requires maritime workers to complete background checks and obtain biometric identification cards to gain unescorted access to secure areas of Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA)-regulated entities. TSA conducted a pilot program to test the use of TWICs with biometric card readers in part to inform the development of a regulation on using TWICs with card readers. As required by law, DHS reported its findings on the pilot to Congress on February 27, 2012. The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 required that GAO assess DHSs reported findings and recommendations. Thus, GAO assessed the extent to which the results from the TWIC pilot were sufficiently complete, accurate, and reliable for informing Congress and the proposed TWIC card reader rule. GAO reviewed pilot test plans, results, and methods used to collect and analyze pilot data since August 2008, compared the pilot data with the pilot report DHS submitted to Congress, and conducted covert tests at four U.S. ports chosen for their geographic locations. The tests results are not generalizable, but provide insights.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- AD1179049
Entities
People
- Anna Ortiz
- Chuck Bausell
- David Bruno
- David M. Alexander
- Hiwotte Amare
- James Lawson
- Joseph P. Cruz
- Justin Fisher
- Lara Miklozek
- Nabajyoti Barkakati
- Stephen M. Lord
- Tracey King
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office