The NYPD will soon be able to detect concealed weapons using a new technology, still in the development stages, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said today.
“The device reads the specific form of natural energy emitted by people and objects known as terahertz,” Kelly said at the Police Foundation’s annual breakfast.
“If something is obstructing the flow of radiation, for example a weapon, the device will highlight that object.”
The NYPD showed an image taken with the device where you can clearly see a concealed weapon in the officer’s pocket. The officer was in plain clothes, wearing a Jets jersey and jeans, the gun hidden under his clothes.
“The technology is going to get there,” Kelly said, adding that he is pleased with the progress made in the last year.
Working with both a vendor and the London Metropolitan Police, the NYPD has been fine-tuning this crime-preventative technology to fit the department’s needs.
“One of our requirements was that the technology must be portable,” Kelly said while showing the device mounted in a truck.
The department will continue to run trials before officially unveiling the high tech devices citywide.