There was a recent case in Raleigh, N.C. where a woman was stopped by a man impersonating a police officer. He was in plain clothes, which isn't completely uncommon, but after asking her a series of suspicious questions, the woman asked to see some ID. At that point the man got flustered and took off. This sort of thing happens more often than you might think. And it's one reason why police departments take their ID card programs very seriously.

Next semester, students at the University of Missouri-Kansas City will receive new student ID cards that include "Roo Bucks." What are Roo Bucks? Quite simple really; they're funds that can be added to a student ID, allowing for purchases at various university facilities like dining services, laundry machines, copy machines, and bookstores. And while I've never visited UMKC, I'm guessing their mascot might be the kangaroo? Anyway, this e-purse functionality is a common feature for many school ID programs, and it gives students a good deal of convenience by enabling them to use a single ID card to perform a number of tasks, including making purchases on campus and even off campus at participating local businesses.

Here's a new use for students ID cards that we haven't seen before - cashless payment for tanning services. Sounds silly, but in some sun-deprived states I suppose it's a pretty good idea. It's not unusual for universities to link their ID card programs with local area businesses so students can make purchases with their campus IDs. At many universities, students use their cards for on-campus purchases at bookstores, laundry facilities, copy machines, and snack bars, along with participating off-campus businesses such as movie theaters and restaurants. And now it's even possible for some college coeds to get a tan.

The Transportation Worker Identification Credential card (or TWIC) is something we've mentioned a few times in the past. This is the new, high-tech identification card that's slowly being phased into a number of U.S. ports. But this week, ports in New England will be the first to officially require all workers to carry the cards, which act as another layer of protection for areas considered to be vulnerable to terrorism.

Some schools in the UK will soon be rolling out proof-of-age cards to help cut down on underage drinking. In Herts County, where a reported 40 percent of 16 to 24 year olds don't have a driver's license, the cards can be used to verify age when purchasing age-restricted products such as alcohol and tobacco. Police prefer that young people carry the proof-of-age ID cards rather than their passports.

AlphaCard has released a new suite of ID systems geared towards the specific needs of fire departments wishing to print secure photo ID cards. Fire department ID cards play an important role in identifying firefighters and emergency personnel during critical situations, and can also perform a variety of functions, such as access control, around the workplace. AlphaCard's Fire ID Systems are available in three different versions: The Entry Fire ID System, Standard Fire ID System, and Premium Fire ID System.

AlphaCard now offers complete ID systems for ski resorts looking to print ski passes, snowboard passes, and employee ID cards. For years, paper lift tickets were the norm on the slopes, but now many mountain areas are providing skiers and riders with durable PVC ski passes. These passes hold up much better than paper lift tickets and can include a variety of elements including the cardholder's photo, personal info, and a barcode for scanning purposes.

AlphaCard is pleased to introduce a new series of photo ID systems that work to improve security at construction sites. AlphaCard's Construction ID Systems are geared specifically towards the needs of constructions sites wishing to issue photo ID cards as a way to control access and prevent theft of materials and equipment.

AlphaCard has just announced a series of photo ID systems geared towards the needs of police departments and law enforcement agencies. Police departments have strict security requirements for their ID cards. These cards play an important role by identifying officers and help to ensure that they have proper access during critical situations where every moment counts. Because of the importance of police ID cards, they often contain security elements that work to prevent tampering and illegal duplication. AlphaCard's Police ID Card Systems make it easy for police departments to design and print ID cards that are durable, secure, and tamper-resistant.

Students at Purdue University are already lining up to vote for the next U.S. president. This year, to make it easier for students, Purdue and Tippecanoe County have established a system that will accept Purdue student ID cards as proof of residence at the polls.

The Chicago Transit Authority is looking for ways to make life a little easier for commuters. The latest method is a joint smart card that works for Chicago public transit vehicles as well as rental cars from a local car sharing program called I-Go. The aim of the single-card solution is to provide public transit riders with additional travel options beyond the train and bus.

Riders of Ottawa's OC Transpo system could be using smart cards for fare payment by 2010 if a similar project called "PrestoCard" goes smoothly in Toronto. The PrestoCard will launch in September. Public transit riders will carry a single smart card that can be loaded up with dollars from their home computers. Each card contains a special chip. When the cardholder boards the bus or train, the card is tapped against a reader that automatically deducts the fare.