Bridge Day Panel Gives Jumpers Option to Fingerprint Scans

Bridge Day organizers have approved an optional security measure to address privacy concerns about fingerprint scans.

The Bridge Day Commission plans to require BASE jumpers, rappellers and vendors to submit to the scans. The fingerprints will be checked against a terrorism watch list.

The Register-Herald reports that the commission on Wednesday added the option of a paid background check. The fingerprint scans will be free.

Commission chairwoman Sharon Cruikshanks says background checks would be conducted by a third-party security company.

Bridge Day is the only time that BASE jumping is allowed from the New River Gorge Bridge. Some jumpers have said they will skip this year’s event because of the fingerprint scans.

BASE stands for building, antenna, span and Earth, the fixed objects from which jumpers leap with parachutes.