Police test flashlights that detect metal, too

Florida Today

PALM BAY -- Four Palm Bay police officers are testing a new piece of equipment that not only illuminates a scene but also sheds light on what a suspect might be hiding.

Tactical Scanners, Inc. of Canyon Lake, Texas, designed the lightweight 9-inch flashlights that vibrate and flash a red light when metal is detected up to 3 inches away.

"I've used it a dozen and a half times already, and it's good," Patrol Officer Boyd Williams said.

Patrol Officer Kevin Morris said he found a small penknife hidden in a wad of paper during a pat-down. "Weapons are becoming smaller and smaller," he said.