Thursday, January 19, 2012

NYPD to Use a Device to Detect Hidden Weapons; Electronic Frisking Tool Can See Through Clothes

The Yahoo News website reports today (January 19, 2012) that the Department of Defense and the New York Police Department (NYPD) are developing a remote controlled device that could detect if individuals are carrying concealed firearms or explosives.

The device can see through clothes, backpacks, and even walls from as far away as 75 feet.

The "electronic frisking" device uses electromagnetic energy waves and terahertz that bounce off metallic objects, sending back an image of suspected guns and explosives.

Donna Lieberman -- an official with the New York Civil Liberties Union -- said the device "is worrisome because it implicates privacy when the police department tells us that anytime we walk down the street we're going to be subject to a virtual pat down even though we're not suspected of doing anything wrong."
My Ping in TotalPing.com