'Revolutionary' weapons scanner in the works
Fight against gun and knife crime 'revolutionised' by new electromagnetic scanner
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Tuesday, 09, Jun 2009 09:19
The fight against gun and knife crime could become a whole lot easier for the police following the development of a unique weapons scanner.
The prototype scanner uses electromagnetic waves to pick up reflections from concealed guns, gun barrels or knives.
It also uses 'neural network' technology - as used in automatic number plate recognition systems - to identify the weapon and ignore everyday items carried by the subject.
Its designers, supported by the Metropolitan police and the Home Office, claim the new device is non-intrusive, with no image of the subject's body is produced.
Stuart Ibbotson, Metropolitan police head of engineering, commented: "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."
Professor Nick Bowring, from Manchester Metropolitan University and lead investigator on the project said the scanner could be made widely available in two years.
"This is a world first and a success for British science," 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".