Logistics may slow debut of HRN 'portal'

Students must register their prints before using the new hand scanner. As Tuesday's installation of a high-tech hand scanner in Hamilton House nears, officials said yesterday that the device may not be operational until later in the week since procedures for registering students' prints are still being finalized. A glass portal will be installed in the lobby of the building -- formerly High Rise North -- which students who choose to participate in the pilot program will enter by swiping their PennCard and then scanning their hand to allow entry. The test run, which could eventually develop into a standard in campus dormitories, is designed to strengthen residential security. Even if the scanners become standard, it is likely that students will still have the option of using their PennCard, according to Stratis Skoufalos, Public Safety's director of security services. Students and staff who wish to use the portal must first "enroll" their handprint into a Division of Public Safety database. When the system becomes operational, security guards will still be present for those who do not wish to participate. At this point, only Hamilton residents can register to use the hand scanners. Public Safety, in conjunction with the Office of College Houses and Academic Services, originally planned to debut the program this Tuesday. But Skoufalos said the scanner may or may not be operational that day, depending on when the project planners obtain the necessary resources -- such as a hand scanner separate from the portal -- for the enrollment procedure. Once that happens, though, those who enroll can immediately use the portal. "As soon as people enroll their hands, they'll be able to use it," he said. He estimated enrollment would take about five minutes per person. Students will present their PennCard to a guard who will then access their name on the database. The guard will then scan the student's handprint. While Skoufalos said the portal will likely not provide added convenience, he stressed that it is intended to boost safety. Additionally, Skoufalos said he does not expect the portal to be faster than the current system. "We're not just bored at Public Safety and looking for new ways to play with our toys," he said. Vice President for Public Safety Thomas Seamon explained that the portals will offer two major advantages. "It's foolproof from the standpoint that it doesn't get tired and doesn't get distracted by other duties," Seamon said. "And it's very cost-efficient." Officials could not provide a cost estimate for the new system. Skoufalos said that if the program is successful, some security guards could be redeployed elsewhere. It is not clear whether any would lose their jobs. Officials also emphasized that feedback from students will be the key factor in whether more portals will eventually be installed in other dormitories. Residential Advisory Board Chairperson and College junior Emily Pollack, who officials consulted during the planning process, said she will request a list of the students who register to use the portal and survey them to gauge their satisfaction with the system. The portal would prevent students from swiping their card and handing it back to a friend. Another advantage, Skoufalos pointed out, is that the machine replaces the human functions of the guard. While guards currently look at the person to make sure the card is theirs, the hand scanner automatically matches the person with the PennCard. The portal may also provide shorter lines by giving students a second option. Skoufalos said enrollment is likely to remain optional even if the program ultimately proves successful, because there will still be people who choose not to use it, such as those who are physically disabled. But despite the exceptions, officials said they believe the technology will decrease the possibility of something going wrong. "If 90 percent of people are going through the portals, the human error is less," said Doug Berger, director of housing services. Daily Pennsylvanian staff writer Ben Geldon contributed to this article.

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