The device detects gunmen on the street

Scientists have created an infrared scanner capable of helping police identify suspects hiding guns in their outfits from a distance.

Over the past three years, US Department of Defense scientists have been investigating the type of remote-sensing device required by New York City police. An infrared ray device that monitors a type of energy emitted by the human body. If something - like guns, knives - prevents the flow of energy, the device will help the police determine its location on the body, The New York Post reported.

Based on the shape of the object on the screen of the scanner, the police will judge the weapon the suspect carries. The bomb can also be detected inside the shirt. It will be mounted on the top of the police cars. When detecting a suspicious object, the police will control the infrared rays towards the object. They can even use it to scrutinize people carrying weapons on the street or at public places.

Raymond Kelly, head of the New York police force, said the device is currently transmitting infrared rays in close proximity - from about 0.9 to 1.2 meters.

"We want the infrared emitter from a distance of at least 25m," Kelly said.

If the police are equipped with infrared scanners, they will not have to block and examine the suspect's body for weapons - a procedure that can be time consuming for both the people and the police.

But many fear the infrared scanners may become devices that infringe on individual privacy, because they display the "naked" shape of human beings like the scanners at the airport.