The idea of the infra-red scanner was the brainchild of SSP OPS PHQ, Sidney Fung Kwok-on, who led the team of SIP Joseph Li and S/Sgt Lee Kin-man of AIICC, and S/Sgt Lee Yung-nam of Border Enforcement Sub-unit 1 LMC in developing the scanner using components readily available in the marketplace.

"After repeated tests and modifications to the equipment, it is now being used by Border District officers who welcome its deployment," said SSP Fung, a self-professed electronic gadget enthusiast.

The hand-held infra-red scanner is comprised of a long metal rod with an infra-red lens mounted on its base where a wheel facilitates easy movement beneath vehicles. The base lens can also be turned by the officer operating the device in order to capture even the most difficult to reach corners and spaces.

The rod is linked to a four-inch high-resolution monitor mounted on the waist of the officer via an electrical cord and audio-visual cable giving a clear picture of what's in the area being inspected.

"The monitor can be adjusted to avoid light reflection on the screen and also to suit different the body shapes of officers using it," said SSP Fung."But by far, the strongest point of the infra-red lens is that it is completely unaffected by lighting and will show a clear picture even in total darkness."

Added SIP Li: "The 3-pound monitor and battery mounted on an officer's waist makes it very handy and easy to carry. And because of its relatively simple design, the device will have a very long life if maintained properly."

Because it is assembled using readily available electronic components, the cost of the infra-red scanner is relatively low at about $2,000. "But it would be considerably more than that if purchased as a finished system from the commercial market," SIP Li said.

S/Sgt Lee Yung-nam, stationed in Lok Ma Chau, and also a member of the working team who tested the scanner as an end user said: "The infra-red lens can fully scan the bottom of a truck as well as the roof with an accuracy much higher than that of a reflective mirror. Moreover, to thoroughly inspect a truck takes about 15 seconds."

Indeed, the inventors point out, the infra-red scanner will prove to have a variety of other uses, not the least of which as a valuable tool during inspections of dangerous places such as construction sites and rear lanes.

"Its effectiveness tested and proved by our working team, the device will now be handed over to the Border District and a large-scale trial launched to confirm its usefulness in their day-to-day vehicular inspections," SSP Fung said. "In the long term we can see the infra-red scanner being produced in quantities to meet the needs of frontline officers."

Members of the working team thank all those who helped them in the creation of the device ¡Ð especially the Communications Branch - and encourage future co-operation between formations in coming up with ideas that can lead to the Force production of other innovations that can enhance the efficiency of police work.