NCJ Number
205773
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 52 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2004 Pages: 58-62
Date Published
May 2004
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Portable electronic video-imaging equipment can be adapted for use in vehicle searches and room searches to make them more rapid and thorough.
Abstract
When using a vehicle to transport an explosive device, it is likely that a terrorist would attempt to hide the device in a storage area that is not easily inspected or by tampering with the vehicle's structure. Portable video systems enable an inspector to gain a clear view of the more likely hiding places and inspect for the subtle signs of vehicle tampering. The search of a suspicious or profiled vehicle begins with a preliminary walk around the vehicle to look for any signs of threat beyond that which made the vehicle suspicious in the first place. Next, the engine compartment and trunk/cargo areas should be examined without opening their hoods/doors, since they may be booby-trapped. Examination without detonation is possible with the use of portable video equipment. A borescope or fiberscope can be used to inspect the area around hood latch mechanisms for trip wires or booby traps without opening the hood lid completely. With the latch mechanisms apparently safe to open, the hood can be raised (remotely if possible) to permit further probing of the recesses of the engine compartment. The borescope can be quickly interchanged with a self-illuminating camera mounted on a small pole or baton for the purpose of scanning larger areas. This same configuration can be used to search the cabin area underneath seats, behind the dashboard, and in any storage compartments. Images obtained from portable video systems benefit from variable illumination integrated into the camera, a choice of various magnification factors, and panoramic view capabilities, all of which are intended to gain maximum visibility while maintaining safety. With the portable video-imaging equipment, the inspector can scan the entire vehicle underbody in search of any abnormal items or signs of tampering. The use of this equipment in a room search follows essentially the same logistics as a vehicle search, i.e., dividing the search area into smaller, individual zones. The search begins at entry doors and windows and then continues with a sweep at desk level, progresses to floor level, and concludes with a final scan at above desk level and into the ceilings.