X-ray cameras on UK lampposts plan
Pastor Dale Morgan
X-ray cameras on UK lampposts plan*
Jan 29 12:18 AM US/Eastern
The Government is considering installing X-ray cameras on lampposts to
spot armed terrorists and other criminals.
According to a leaked memo seen by The Sun, "detection of weapons and
explosives will become easier" if the scheme drawn up by Home Office
officials is adopted.
However, officials acknowledged that it would be highly controversial as
the cameras can "see" through clothing.
"The social acceptability of routine intrusive detection measures and
the operational response required in the event of an alarm are likely to
be limiting factors," the memo warned.
"Privacy is an issue because the machines see through clothing."
The Sun reported that the memo, dated January 17, was drawn up by the
Home Office for the Prime Minister's working group on security crime and
justice.
It noted that some technologies used for airport security had already
been used in police operations searching for drugs and weapons in
nightclubs.
"These and other could be developed for a much more widespread use in
public places," it said.
"Street furniture could routinely house detection systems that would
indicate the likely presence of a gun for example."
A Home Office spokeswoman said: "We don't comment on leaked documents".