New York Police Will Scan Pedestrians for Concealed Weapons
January 18th, 2012Via: CBS News:
The NYPD is stepping up their war against illegal guns, with a new tool that could detect weapons on someone as they walk down the street.
But is it violating your right to privacy?
Police, along with the U.S. Department of Defense, are researching new technology in a scanner placed on police vehicles that can detect concealed weapons.
“You could use it at a specific event. You could use it at a shooting-prone location,” NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly told CBS 2?s Hazel Sanchez on Tuesday.
It’s called Terahertz Imaging Detection. It measures the energy radiating from a body up to 16 feet away, and can detect anything blocking it, like a gun.
…
Police Commissioner Kelly said the scanner would only be used in reasonably suspicious circumstances and could cut down on the number of stop-and-frisks on the street.
But the New York Civil Liberties Union is raising a red flag.
“It’s worrisome. It implicates privacy, the right to walk down the street without being subjected to a virtual pat-down by the Police Department when you’re doing nothing wrong,” the NYCLU’s Donna Lieberman said.
How Terahertz Waves Tear Apart DNA
http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/arxiv/24331/
“Based on our results we argue that a specific terahertz radiation exposure may significantly affect the natural dynamics of DNA, and thereby influence intricate molecular processes involved in gene expression and DNA replication.
http://arxiv.org/abs/0910.5294
I actually read an article on this today that referred to the device as an INFRARED scanner. Implying harmlessness…
I would like to see very citizen of, and visitor to NYC, start carrying a one pound piece of steel plate in their pockets every time they walk that streets of that “fair” city. I just love to drive these Nazis crazy.
I tend to view various technologies not in a singular context, but with a systemic outlook.
Yes, all by itself tera-hertz waves tech is a nasty bucket of fish.
Personally, I see it more like a module on-board the first generation HK’s that will be circling the great walled cities a decade or so from now.
A scanning and detection system to enable the automated elimination of terrorist dissidents carrying unauthorized metallic objects.
Or used by “law enforcement” at rallies and demonstrations to effectively and efficiently isolate and neutralize the armed-and-dangerous amid the throng.
This story is describing an alpha-testing phase, as well as building necessary mass-mind awareness that such technology is out there watching you.
Fear, the mind killer.