[Rockingham]

Most likely, the vans are being used in a test as to whether newly developed terahertz backscatter imaging technology can reliably detect guns, knives, drugs, and explosives in the street-level environment. Unlike x-rays, terahertz energy at the levels relied on in such devices would not damage DNA.

If such technology works, it would provide a non-invasive and non-discriminatory way to do the equivalent of an ongoing stop and frisk of an entire crowd and a close search of passing vehicles. This would help combat crime without arousing concerns over discrimination and harassment in stop and frisk contacts based on police suspicion.

[UCANSEE2]