Transportation workers with potentially disqualifying criminal records are being issued Transportation Worker Identification Credentials in some cases because Transportation Security Administration officials are not permitted full access to information contained in FBI criminal databases, according to a new report by congressional investigators.
The Government Accountability Office report, made public Dec. 8, said that because the FBI considers TSA a “noncriminal justice agency,” it cannot legally share all of its criminal background information with TSA.
“According to TSA, this level of access only allows a limited view of criminal history record information as opposed to a more expanded level of access accorded criminal justice agencies,” GAO said.
The TWIC biometric identification cards are issued after an in-depth “security threat assessment” to mariners and other transportation workers to allow them unescorted access to secure areas of seaports, vessels, and other maritime facilities.
Transportation workers can be denied TWICs if they lack proper immigration status, have a connection to terrorist activity, lack mental capacity or have been convicted of any of 24 criminal offenses.
Of the 24 crimes, 10 permanently disqualify a worker from a TWIC and 14 of them are “interim” disqualifications and are eligible for a waiver.
