In an innovative move, British police might be armed with futuristic devices resembling the iconic proton packs from Ghostbusters, aimed at disrupting the criminal use of e-bikes and e-scooters.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) chairman, Gavin Stephens, mentioned the “experimental” technology could be pivotal in tackling offences like street robberies and smartphone thefts involving these vehicles.
With its sizable backpack appearance, the gadget has naturally been compared to the capture devices featured in Ghostbusters movies.
This technology functions by emitting an electromagnetic pulse towards a targeted e-bike or e-scooter, tricking the motor into falsely detecting an overheating scenario. Consequently, the motor’s built-in safety mechanism activates, causing the vehicle to shut down and stop.
Although this equipment was showcased at a technology fair in Farnborough, Hampshire, it’s still not ready for deployment and may take months or years before being fielded by police forces.
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Stephens mentioned the technology might also have applications for traditional combustion engine vehicles. The NPCC’s chief scientific adviser, Paul Taylor, is collaborating with industry partners to refine this device for police use.
According to Stephens, the surge in popularity of electric bikes has significantly altered the dynamics of police chases, with these swift vehicles being especially challenging to pursue in urban environments.
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He asserted that such technology is exactly what law enforcement needs, explaining: “It basically interferes with the electric motor to convince it to enter a safe shutdown due to perceived overheating.” At present, the device is quite large and bulky due to the power requirements necessary for it to be effective.
FAQs About New Police Devices to Curb E-Bike-Related Crimes
Q: What is the objective of the new police device?
A: The device is intended to safely disable e-bikes and e-scooters to prevent their use in crimes such as street robberies and mobile phone thefts.
Q: How does the device work?
A: The device emits an electromagnetic pulse that tricks the electric motor into believing it is overheating, which triggers a safety shutdown and stops the vehicle.
Q: Is the device currently available for police use?
A: No, the device is in the experimental stages and may not be available for police use for several months or years.
Q: Can it also be used on normal combustion engine vehicles?
A: There is potential for the technology to be adapted for use on traditional vehicles, but the primary focus currently is on e-bikes and e-scooters.
Conclusion
As law enforcement looks to adapt to the changing nature of criminal activity, particularly that involving e-bikes and e-scooters, new technology such as these ‘Ghostbusters-style’ devices could provide an effective non-lethal means of addressing these challenges. While potentially transformative, this technology faces several hurdles before it can be integrated into daily police operations. It represents a step towards a future where police can resolve pursuits quickly and safely, benefitting both officers and the community at large. As the device evolves from its current “ginormous backpack” size, it could become a staple in the modern police arsenal against urban crime.
