The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now using the latest generation of identity verification technology at the security checkpoints at Portland International Airport (PDX). Travelers departing PDX can expect to see Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) units that use facial matching technology to verify the identity of travelers during the security screening process.

TSA has been using first-generation CAT units at PDX for the past few years. CAT units are designed to scan a traveler’s photo identification, confirm the individual is ticketed for travel, note the type of screening (such as TSA PreCheck®) that the traveler is eligible for and detect counterfeit IDs. The TSA officer would visually verify the identity of the traveler using their photo identification.

The new CAT units, referred to as CAT-2, have the same capabilities as the first-generation CAT units, but they are equipped with a camera that captures a real-time photo of the traveler.

CAT-2 units compare the traveler’s photo on the ID against the inperson, real-time photo using facial matching technology. Once the CAT-2 unit confirms a match, the TSA officer will verify and the traveler can proceed to security screening, all without exchanging a boarding pass. TSA officers can perform additional passenger verification if needed.

“We are pleased to add this newest technology to our screening operation at PDX. The next time you depart PDX, you will have the option of having your identity verified using facial matching technology,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Oregon Kathleen McDonald. “I want to remind all travelers that use of CAT-2 is always optional any photo captured during the identity verification process is never stored or used for any other purpose.

CAT plays an important role in passenger identity verification. It improves a TSA officer’s ability to authenticate a traveler’s photo identification while also identifying inconsistencies associated with fraudulent travel documents.

Earlier this month, a TSA officer (TSO) performing identity verification of travelers at PDX’s B/C security checkpoint detected a counterfeit photo with the assistance of a first-generation CAT unit. The traveler initially stated he did not have a photo ID, before pulling one out of his pocket and handing it to the TSO.

The TSO immediately noticed the ID felt a little different than most IDs, but it was the CAT unit that confirmed his suspicion. The CAT unit displayed an alert on-screen that there was an inconsistency with the ID and the traveler’s airline reservation. The TSO notified his supervisor who then confirmed the traveler was using a fraudulent ID.

TSA notified officers with the Port of Portland Police who responded to the security checkpoint. The traveler was not allowed into the security checkpoint for screening and ultimately missed his flight.

“I salute the TSA officer who used the combination of his training and the capabilities of technology to identify a would-be traveler from attempting to use a counterfeit ID for identity verification purposes,” said FSD McDonald. “Identity verification is a cornerstone of TSA’s security process. We will continue to ensure that travelers are who they say they are prior to allowing them to travel.”

TSA continues to integrate new technologies into its identity verification process. Read more about these programs at www.tsa.gov/digital-id.

Source: Transportation Security Administration