NYPD to begin testing a new high-tech device to scan for concealed handguns

[hAkron]

So there are enough terahertz waves emitted by the body for this to work?

The scanners that put out the waves (though it sounds like this isn't one) are said to do bad things to one's DNA.

http://www.technologyreview.com/view/416066/how-terahertz-waves-tear-apart-dna/

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

Pat downs don't always work, I can atest to that personally.

Then the "pat down" wasn't done properly.

The phrase "pat down" is a misnomer, and any officer who actually does what the name implies is an absolute moron.

By intent and design, a frisk is an extremely invasive procedure.

Here's a video showing proper techniques:

http://www.correctionsone.com/corre...-Demonstration-of-proper-pat-down-procedures/

Frisking should involve a lot of rubbing and grabbing of clothing and anatomy because this is the most effective way to find concealed items on a body or in clothing. Physically "patting" hands over clothing does little to nothing for items concealed in joints, folds, or crevasses of the body and within seams of clothing. It is entirely possible to either miss contact with such concealed items entirely, or to fool the brain into thinking nothing was found by the patting motion when it does contact something.

I had an eye-opening training event on this very subject many years ago in the Navy, as part of some Brig Escort training I went through. (No, I wasn't required to do frisking...it was just part of the training we received.)

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

So there are enough terahertz waves emitted by the body for this to work?

The scanners that put out the waves (though it sounds like this isn't one) are said to do bad things to one's DNA.

http://www.technologyreview.com/view/416066/how-terahertz-waves-tear-apart-dna/

Yes, the body does put out sufficient energy in these wavelengths. These wavelengths lie between infrared and microwave wavelengths on the spectrum, "sub-millimeter" wavelengths.

They are non-ionizing frequencies...they are nowhere near energetic enough to cause ionization events to occur in a substance, including water, air, or any other material (body included).

For what it's worth, most people who like to throw out "but that causes DNA/genetic damage" have no idea what they're talking about. It's mostly scare tactics or blatent ignorance. Just because something emits some form of electromagnetic radiation doesn't mean it's capable of causing genetic damage.

 

[mrnic3guy1989]

Next thing you know they'll be outlawing Glocks because some liberal doesn't know they set off metal detectors.

 

[hAkron]

For what it's worth, most people who like to throw out "but that causes DNA/genetic damage" have no idea what they're talking about.

I am without a doubt in the group who doesn't know what I'm talking about, I'm suspicious of the TSA scanners as well. If we are just reading the ambient waves, then that's fine. If we are emitting waves at me 'willy nilly' then I'm not onboard.

Not saying I agree with them using the technology, because I don't, but as far as potential health concerns, I understand your explanation.

 

[greenmtnguy]

The TSA scanners at the airport DO emit microwave radiation. It isn't like being in a microwave oven though as far as energy levels go. The wavelengths they operate at are longer than the terahertz background radiation that this new device reads. But, probably we will eventually understand that the microwave radiation from cell phones is causing everyone to turn into liberals..

 

[Browning]

So basically due to the size of that thing they'd have to set up check-points, which everyone will just go around or avoid if they're carrying.



Yeah, that'll be effective.

Not to mention the fact that eventually someone will come up with counter-measures.

More and more that city is really starting to sound like that book 'Black Arrow'.

Black Arrow by Vin Suprynowicz - (*Click*)

 

[MachIVshooter]

I see serious 4a issues ahead.

Definitely.

If I were faced with these scans, I'd configure some benign objects into the shape of a gun just so I had a case to sue the bejeezes out of the city.

There's a special place in hell for these politicians.