- LONDON -- X-ray cameras could
be installed on lampposts on British streets to spot armed terrorists and
other criminals, it has been claimed.
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- 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.
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- However, officials acknowledged it would be highly controversial
as the cameras can "see" through clothing.
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- "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.
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- "Privacy is an issue because the machines see through
clothing."
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- The Sun said the memo, dated January 17, was drawn up
by the Home Office for the Prime Minister's working group on security crime
and justice.
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- It noted some technologies used for airport security
had already been used in police operations searching for drugs and weapons
in nightclubs.
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- "These and other could be developed for a much more
widespread use in public places," it said.
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- "Street furniture could routinely house detection
systems that would indicate the likely presence of a gun, for example."
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- A Home Office spokeswoman said: "We don't comment
on leaked documents".
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