The Liberator pistol. Image: Mirko Tobias Schaefer/Flickr
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There are a two prototypes: a handheld device and a long-range stationary scanner that can detect weapons from 27 yards away. "They can be used covertly or overtly for checkpoints, mass transit points, shopping centres, stadia or other security sensitive areas," researchers said.Unsurprisingly, the technology raised red flags for privacy advocates when the scanner was first unveiled in November. But the developers insist the device is safe, and doesn’t violate privacy because it doesn't form an image of the person's body.This month, Radio Physics Solutions partnered up with the UK's National Ballistics Intelligence Service to test the device, and found it was successfully able to accurately spot concealed plastic guns, hailing it as the "first and only detector that we know to exist that can detect this format of firearm.” The company says law enforcement agencies in the US, UK, and Middle East have expressed interest in buying the detectors once it comes off the production line.