LAX Makes Way for Biometric Access Control Systems

Dec 8, 2011 by admin

By Whit Richardson – 11.22.2011

LOS ANGELES—Los Angeles International Airport is upgrading its access control and alarm monitoring (ACAM) system to prepare for the eventual implementation of a biometrics-based identification system.

“This is a major step in our overall security upgrade, which includes both physical access control and our surveillance,” Dom Nessi, CIO at Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), which operates LAX and two other regional airports, told Security Director News. “A new ACAM system, coupled with our new credentialing system we’re in the process of programming, will be the foundation for biometrics at the airport.”

Nessi said LAX has spent $125 million in the past couple of years to upgrade its security, including the addition of new LPR cameras and a trunked radio system for its police officers. “This airport has made a real, concerted effort to upgrade its security technology,” Nessi said.

LAWA chose Unisys for the ACAM system upgrade. LAWA awarded a contract to Unisys to operate and maintain its ACAM system in 2009. In a news release, Unisys said the contract modification is potentially worth an estimated $10.3 million for the year.

Unisys will replace the magnetic-strip card readers at 870 access points at the three LAWA airports with contact-less card readers. They will be wired to pave the way for the future deployment of iris scanners, according to Nessi.