LPR Technology | MPH-900 | License Plate Reader

By: Matt McFarland

Published: April 20, 2010

TROY - A black and white digital image of the human body first appears on a computer monitor. It is quickly followed by a number of blue squares which indicate hidden objects.

Nate Maloney with ELSAG North America says that by looking for the heat coming off your body and the contrast of that hidden object, these body imaging units can pick up practically anything.

"We're able to read any kind of object, whether its metal, fabric, powder, liquid because its contrasting that object with energy coming off the body," he explained.

As part of a pilot program, the Rensselaer County Sheriff's Office has been using the portable body imaging system for the past month. Maloney adds it come in handy, especially on visitation days at the jail.

"Day one, we actually had someone in line. We announced we were going to do the screening, they got out of line, put the object in the locker, sheriff came through with the drug dog, sniffed the drugs and the visit turned into more than just a little visit," Maloney said.

Right now the Orlando-based company says it has 600 of these body imaging machines in use around the world, including places like airports, courthouses, and correctional facilities. Rensselaer County Undersheriff Patrick Russo says the portable machine, which costs $125,000, has a lot of pluses.

"I think hopefully at some time, it may go out to state bid, maybe the county could purchase it on a grant for a multi-agency purpose because one of the selling points is its portable and could be moved from venue to venue," he said.

Body imaging units in use at Rensselaer County Jail