Dstl demos tomorrow's tech for policing and security

Above: Crime and Policing Minister Kit Malthouse at Dstl, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.
Courtesy Dstl

Dstl provides the science inside UK defence and security and its scientists demonstrated to Mr Malthouse several innovations designed to tackle knife crime and stop violent offenders.

Mr Malthouse said: "We are committed to making sure the police are equipped with the right tools to protect the public and themselves – and the technologies that Dstl are working on will help us to do just that.

"Knife crime destroys families and communities, so tools which can help detect and remove such weapons before they are used will be vital in preventing further tragedies.

"I’m delighted to see first-hand how government investment has helped create this innovative technology. We will continue to back projects that use science and tech to keep the public and our brave police officers safe."

Doug Umbers, interim chief executive of Dstl, said: "It has been a great opportunity to show the minister and our Home Office colleagues the science that will be saving lives in the years to come.

"Dstl scientists are a world-class asset for the UK and are immensely proud of the role they are playing to protect police officers in the line of duty as well as keeping our citizens safe from crime and violence."

Mr Malthouse was briefed on concepts to assist police identify concealed knives being developed by Dstl and industry on behalf of the Home Office.

Dstl efforts are focused on developing and evaluating operational concept demonstrators for detecting knives at pinch points such as entrances to shopping centres or at ticket barriers in stations.

Alongside this, Dstl is also supporting research into emerging innovations which could underpin future detection technology.

The Minister was given a demonstration of technologies being developed that could allow law enforcement officers to safely prevent the escalation of conflict in serious or violent circumstances through so-called ‘less lethal weapons’ that stop a subject at distance.

Scientists also demonstrated a Dstl patented novel technology that greatly increases the performance and usability of a covert audio surveillance system.

It is hoped this research and development work could lead to advanced capabilities for policing and security personnel in future.