While unlikely to accomplish much, it's an old "security" ploy, dating back to Europe in an era long before Ian Fleming's James Bond, and intended to catch folks using faked or stolen ID at borders, security checks, and street stops. Folks who stumbled or hesitated (insufficient rehearsal time?) when asked for their last names to match against their documents were hauled in "for questioning".

Given the quality of most photo ideas (or at least the recognizability of the photos) and the large number of folks in this part of the woods who use faked or "borrowed"** ID, I'm not surprised at the use of such tactics. Hoary with age, and mostly seen in the pages of old spy thrillers, some security consultant has obviously recommended its employment.

**Among "illegals" in the US Southwest, borrowing (often "renting'") the ID of a legal resident of similar facial features/age/description is very common, both for employment and travel purposes. In the case of employment, it takes SS and the IRS a while to catch up, and not near so many folks actually lose thir SS cards or DLs as they claim when seeking replacements.