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  Cops Want X-Ray Vision
Posted by FoM on February 28, 2000 at 10:07:34 PT
By Tom Godfrey, Toronto Sun 
Source: Canoe 

surveillance The RCMP are asking to test a controversial x-ray machine -- that renders travellers' clothes invisible -- in their fight against drug smuggling at Pearson airport.

The hi-tech device allows Customs and airport cops to "see through" suspects' clothes to reveal if drugs or weapons are hidden underneath.

The Rapiscan Secure 1000 system, banned by Health Canada, is so sensitive it can show a woman's nipples and an outline of her underwear.

The machine, which has been used since last summer at six major airports in the U.S. and two in Britain, uses body imaging and x-ray energy to produce clear images of concealed objects.

"This machine will help make our job easier," said Staff-Sgt. Bill Matheson, of the Mounties' airport drug section. "It could curb the amount of body-packers we're experiencing."

Matheson said his officers arrest at least one person a week with drugs taped to his or her body.

"This will give the smugglers something to worry about," he said. "I think this machine will probably cut down on the amount of smugglers."

Canada Customs officers now battle drug smuggling with dogs and x-ray and ion scans of luggage. Ion scans can detect traces of drugs.

Customs spokesman Michel Proulx said the body scanners will not be used because they don't meet guidelines set by Health Canada.

He said health officials prohibit the use of radiation devices on people because of medical concerns.

The Rapiscan is said to expose the subjects to the same x-rays as they would receive on a single trip through a metal detector.

Some U.S. critics have blasted the machine, claiming it infringes on a person's privacy because operators can ogle a person's body.

Toronto:
Published: February 28, 2000
Copyright © 2000, Canoe Limited Partnership.

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Comment #4 posted by wonderboy on September 26, 2001 at 03:17:54 PT:

New scanner also detects contraband IN the body
Conpass bodyscanner, can detect all contraband within and outside the human body, such as plastic knives/explosives, swallowed narcotics etc...

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #3 posted by PhishPhace on May 07, 2000 at 12:02:48 PT:

photons
OK, sorry I just read the last paragraph of this article and it tried to make a comparison of this photon generator to that of a metal detector. A metal detector (the kind usually found at an airport) the kind you walk throught does not emit ANY radiation, in fact you the subject passing through it emit an electromagnetic force from metallic items you are carrying when you subject it to the electromagnetic field you pass through.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #2 posted by PhishPhace on May 07, 2000 at 11:58:31 PT:

x-ray not that sensitive
This is coming from someone who works in the radiological field. No fluoroscopic technique is that sensitive that it can pick up weed, basically it is not going to attenuate the photons. Also anyone passing through a radiation area must be notified by either a sign indicating a radiation field. Once again we are being subject to not make our own choices anymore, those choices are being made for us. I can agree with using it to find other more hazardous materials (aerosol cans) put come on a bag of pot is not going to harm the plane, in fact it might make the person your sitting next to happier

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #1 posted by kaptinemo on February 28, 2000 at 13:02:24 PT
The perv's delight!
I can just see it now: former Peeping Toms flocking in droves to join the Canadian Customs service to get the chance to oggle female bodies via X-ray machines...and get paid for it. More insanity inspired by the DrugWar.

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