An X-ray is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is commonly known for its use in diagnostic medical imaging. However, this technology has applications for law enforcement that can safeguard life and property. Common uses for X-ray technology include object screening (such as packages, suspected bombs, or baggage) as well as the use of mobile X-ray applications to examine suspicious packages in the field and to look through walls, doors, and/or windows to acquire intelligence from a certain area. In this article, the history of the technology as well as law enforcement applications will be explored.
History of X-Ray Technology
Scholars claim that X-ray technology was invented by accident in 1895. At that time, German physicist Wilhelm Roentgen was experimenting with electron beams in a gas discharge tube. During this experiment, Roentgen discovered that a fluorescent screen in his laboratory began to glow when the electron beam was turned on. This reaction was unique because Roentgen’s tube was encased with heavy black cardboard, which he assumed would block the radiation. Upon further experimentation, Roentgen placed various objects between the tube and the screen, and the same effect occurred—the screen still glowed. Finally, he put his hand in front of the tube and saw the silhouette of his bones projected onto the fluorescent screen (Harris 2006). This accidental discovery by Roentgen has impacted most human beings in the course of their lives. For law enforcement officers, this discovery has led to efficient operations in conducting screenings in various locations.
Object Screening
A primary use of X-ray technology for law enforcement personnel is the screening of objects (baggage, purses, and so on) prior to their entry into a controlled environment such as airport boarding areas and schools. At these locations, law enforcement is oftentimes responsible for safeguarding life and property.
Stringent airport regulations have led to the increased dependency on the use of X-ray technology by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA utilizes X-ray machines of various sizes and from various vendors at public airports across the country. Enforcing federal laws, the TSA scans all baggage and personal possessions that are carried onto airplanes. One controversial use of X-ray technology in the airport is the use of an X-ray that will purportedly provide airport screeners with a clear picture of what is under passengers’ clothes. This technology, called backscatter X-ray, is now under evaluation at several U.S. airports (Frank 2005).
Schools have become more security conscious since the occurrence of a number of highly publicized incidents of school violence. A common figure in the hallways of American schools is the school resource officer (SRO). The SRO, a sworn law enforcement officer, is assigned to one school or multiple schools depending on the jurisdiction. Additionally, one of the tools used to safeguard some schools is an X-ray scanner. For some high-risk schools, students enter the school building each day in the same manner as travelers at an airport. A National Institute of Justice report on school safety technologies states “given that all the available x-ray baggage scanners are priced similarly, operate easily, offer substantial training up front, and have good quality monitor images, schools will be most concerned about service. If a particular school district is planning on purchasing several units for multiple schools, the district may be able to negotiate an excellent price that will include one backup unit that will be stored by the vendor for use when needed. This backup unit may be a used product that is in good working order and easy to bring in quickly and set up during a crisis” (Green 1999, 101).
Mobile X-Ray Applications
In addition to permanent, stationary X-ray machines, the technology can also be mobilized to assist law enforcement officers in the field. One example is the investigation, and possible detonation, of suspicious packages. A portable machine developed by the U.S. Department of Energy uses reflected X-rays to determine the contents of the package. The detector is paired with a video camera and then placed on a mobile robotic platform that moves into potentially dangerous areas while the operator stays safely out of range, observing the progress through real-time video images. Even if the suspicious device explodes before transmitting a complete image, partial images that may be useful to law enforcement have already been transmitted back to the operator. The greatest benefit in that situation is that all that is lost is the video camera, X-ray machine, and cart, rather than lives (Singer 1999).
Next, the ability to look through walls, doors, and/or windows is a lesser known application of X-ray technology that is available for law enforcement use. Traditional X-ray technology can be combined with more sophisticated imaging technologies such as infrared and ultrasound to provide intelligence to officers who may be entering a volatile area. The Justice Department’s Office of Science and Technology has stressed the development of long-range devices to detect weapons and criminals. Currently, funded projects seek to arm law enforcement personnel with handheld devices that can detect people hidden behind walls and briefcase-size devices designed to locate hostages.
Conclusions
Technological advances for law enforcement occur at a rapid rate in the United States. While traditional X-ray technology has been a proven method for law enforcement screening activities, advances will undoubtedly provide technologies that will continuously change the way that a community does business. Additionally, continuous debate surrounding privacy issues and imaging technologies may shape the development and utilization of these technologies. Until that occurs, the 1895 accidental discovery remains an effective tool for the law enforcement community.
