By James Pilcher
Enquirer staff writer

Nicole Love of the Kenton County Airport Board uses a new ID authenticator to verify the identification of Gene Manning (right, rear), a Comair gate agent. The Enquirer/MEGGAN BOOKER

HEBRON - Closing a potential behind-the-scenes security loophole, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is now using a high-tech device to check the ID of every new airport worker wanting access to secure areas.

"It all starts and ends with the security badges, so we need to stay diligent," said airport security coordinator Joe Weil. "It just seemed like the prudent thing do."

The airport, the 21st-busiest in the nation, becomes the third nationally to invest in the system, joining Logan Airport in Boston and Dallas-Fort Worth International.

The machine's manufacturer, Imaging Automation of Bedford, N.H., has supplied similar systems to Australia, Canada, Finland and Sweden, which use the technology to scan documents of anyone trying to cross the border.

The system, which cost the airport about $12,000, compares a computer-scanned copy of a driver's license, passport, visa or other government document against what it should look like using ultraviolet rays and other technology. It signals for more inspection if documents don't match.

The process takes just over four seconds.

An airline employee or vendor wanting access to secure areas beyond the passenger checkpoints must provide two forms of ID. That includes an official one from the government.

They must also undergo a criminal background check before getting the appropriate badge.

Of the approximately 18,000 workers at the airport, more than 14,000 have badges that allow them into secure areas.

The system will be used on new employees seeking a badge or an upgrade in security clearance, and also can be employed when badges are reissued or verified, Weil said.

"There is a lot of technology out there for airport security, so the more exposure we get and the safer we become, the better," said Rick Carter, Imaging Automation's senior director for homeland security.

E-mail jpilcher@enquirer.com