NCJ Number
163547
Date Published
1996
Length
56 pages
Annotation
This annual report of the British Police Scientific Development Branch (PSDB) describes its activities from April 1995 to March 1996.
Abstract
One of the stated aims of the PSDB is to provide the best technical advice to Ministers, the Police Service, and Home Office policy divisions on equipment-related issues. A second aim is to improve the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the police, the Prison Services, and other PSDB customers. The PSDB also aims to support the Home Secretary's responsibilities for counter-terrorism and to be a leading international contributor to law enforcement technology. One of the highlights of the year was the introduction of a VIP visits program, and another was the successful PSDB Equipment Exhibition at Bramshill. The PSDB also hosted and chaired the 29th Annual International Carnahan Conference on Security Technology. A new data radio design permits the rapid communication of data without voice transmission between cars involved in surveillance operations. A version of the "Candle" for TV surveillance has been introduced for low-light-level operations. Other PSDB activities include operational trials of body-worn radio microphones, the completion of an operational trial of digital cameras for photographing fingerprints, the development of a new PACE interview recorder, and the increasing operational use of EPI-Centre. The AMETHYST project was started to facilitate the automatic verification of intruder alarms. Special feature articles are provided on tape noise, body armor, security for the Channel Tunnel, sterile zone protection, and the Blundeston trial; the latter examined the feasibility of using high-technology screening equipment to search inmates' property for contraband. Appended PSDB reports and publications and papers presented at conferences