A new product is being tested in the fight against crime.
Police are developing a product that can detect a weapon on a suspect eliminating the need to frisk a suspect.
The device uses infrared rays to scan the body for natural energy, like radiation, emitted from someone carrying a concealed weapon on the street.
Police will be able to determine if something is obstructing the flow of energy and see the location of the obstruction. This will give a blueprint of where a weapon is located. Police believe that this new device could be especially useful in finding suicide bomber vests, according to Newsday.
The device currently only works for short range. Police Commissioner Raymond Kelley said it only works around three to four feet away from a person. Kelly hopes the device, which is mounted atop NYPD vans, will work for distances of at least 25 meters.
The police are working hand in hand with the US Department of Defense to develop the device. If successful, this device will likely end the traditional frisk. Frisking skyrocketed last year by 13 percent.
Many fear this new device would be an invasion of their privacy, similar to the “naked” body scans in airports.
Police are hoping this device along with others could prevent deaths, like that of off duty officer, Omar J. Edwards, 25, that occurred last week.
Edwards had just finished his shift when he witnessed a burglary. Edwards drew his weapon and chased the suspect. Police were responding to the call when Edwards was shot.
Police are hoping to develop a device that use radio frequency tags to show officers where other cops are in the city. Another idea for the device is to use tags that will work gun-to-gun and use an infrared sensor. Basically, when a weapon is pulled from a nearby officer’s holster a signal would be triggered, either seen or heard, and would be sent to the gun of the nearby officer.
Police are hoping these new devices may be the answer to many of their problems.
By: South Carolina Criminal Defense Lawyer Pete Strom
