Home Top

Handheld scanner that detects concealed guns and knives tested by police

By Daily Mail Reporter
Updated: 06:45 EST, 9 June 2009

View
comments

The scanner will help police detect guns using microwaves when they are not displayed openly as pictured

British scientists have developed a portable scanner designed to detect guns and knives concealed in the clothing of criminals.

The handheld device uses microwaves to pick up the "reflection" of concealed weapons and ignores other everyday objects such as keys and mobile phones.

It is small enough to be used secretly at a distance and without the need for users to get close to a potentially dangerous suspect.

Low-power microwave body scanners are already in use at some airports as part of the battle against terrorism.

Technology experts at the Metropolitan Police have begun tests to see how the prototype device could function in practice.

There are hopes such a gadget could improve the effectiveness of often controversial stop and search checks.

If successful, the finished product could be available to police forces across Britain within two years.

The research, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), is supported by the Metropolitan Police and the Home Office Scientific Development Branch.

Experts were reluctant to disclose precise details of the unit for security reasons and have not released a picture of it.

Professor Nick Bowring, of Manchester Metropolitan University, who is leading the project, said the invention was a "world first".

He said: "This device means UK police will be able to lead the way in accurate mobile gun and knife detection without putting themselves in the line of attack."

Stuart Ibbotson, chief engineer at the Metropolitan Police, said: "We are still at early stages and a way off deploying operational capability yet, but so far results are very encouraging.

"This kind of device would be of great service to officers, helping them to catch people carrying guns and knives without putting themselves in increased danger.

"It could also help to target stop and search to further increase its effectiveness."

Catherine Coates, EPSRC head of innovation, said: "This device could save lives and free up valuable policing time currently taken up with gun and knife detection."