New police device detects weapons

CLEARWATER - A Clearwater company is marketing a new device that will allow local police to detect weapons hidden underneath clothing.

Thermal Matrix USA has already sold two of the devices to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office for delivery in 60 days.

The systems sell for around $60 thousand dollars.

The system is called ACT (Access Counter IED Technology). It uses an infrared camera and sophisticated computer software to see and track objects hidden beneath clothing.

"If someone's trying to conceal something, whether it's a gun or a knife, plastic explosive liquid or gel. That's going to alter that heat signature." said company vice-president Chris Jadick.

Jadick said police agencies can use the device for scanning large crowds for weapons or contraband. He said it can detect hidden objects from hundreds of feet away.

ACT is an offshoot of more complex and expensive devices that Thermal Matrix sells to the military for detection of suicide bombers.