Dstl scientists demonstrate innovations to tackle knife crime and to stop violent offenders
Minister for Crime and Policing Kit Malthouse met scientists from Dstl, the science inside UK defence and security, to see innovative technologies that aid police forces and keep the UK safe from violent criminals.
Mr Malthouse said:
Doug Umbers, interim chief executive of Dstl, said:
Mr Malthouse was briefed on concepts to assist police identify concealed knives being developed by Dstl and industry on behalf of the Home Office.
Dstl efforts are focused on developing and evaluating operational concept demonstrators for detecting knives at pinch points such as entrances to shopping centres or at ticket barriers in stations.
Alongside this, Dstl is also supporting research into emerging innovations which could underpin future detection technology.
The Minister was given a demonstration of technologies being developed that could allow law enforcement officers to safely prevent the escalation of conflict in serious or violent circumstances through so-called ‘less lethal weapons’ that stop a subject at distance.
Scientists also demonstrated a Dstl patented novel technology that greatly increases the performance and usability of a covert audio surveillance system.
It is hoped this research and development work could lead to advanced capabilities for policing and security personnel in future.