The TouchPrint systems will be deployed at PSP offices throughout the state to assist Pennsylvania in meeting the requirements of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) under the U.S. Patriot Act to conduct focused background checks, including fingerprint-based biometric criminal history checks, of all commercial drivers who apply for, renew or transfer an endorsement to transport hazardous materials (HAZMAT), including explosives. PSP will also use the systems for routine criminal bookings. The TouchPrint systems under the order are expected to ship and be installed by June 30, 2005.
In one of the first major non-aviation regulations in response to the requirements laid out in the U.S. Patriot Act, the TSA is requiring all truck drivers who want HAZMAT endorsements to undergo background checks that include the submission of fingerprint biometrics. Up to 3.5 million or more current truck drivers and applicants are expected to be required to undergo background checks, with an estimated additional hundreds of thousands of new and renewal HAZMAT endorsement applicants requiring screening on an annual basis.
Currently, the plan requires conducting fingerprint-based criminal history background checks beginning no later than January 31, 2005, as well as name-based terrorist focused background checks and an immigration check to determine whether any present a potential terrorist threat.
