Halt! PC Craig Porter reveals the new palm sized metal detector which is being used for stop and search operations
The detector, which measures 2.5in by 3in, is kept inside a leather mitt which officers wear on one of their hands
Police have unveiled their latest weapon in the fight against knife crime - a metal detecting glove which can identify blades hidden under clothing.
The £100 e-Glove fits inside the palm of the hand and silently vibrates when it passes over anything containing the tiniest trace of metal.
Officers from Leicestershire Police are the first in the UK to be given access to the gizmo full-time following successful trials at forces elsewhere in the country.
So far around 20 have been handed out to officers and there are plans to give them to every policeman in the UK within the next few years.
The detector, which measures 2.5in by 3in, is kept inside a leather mitt which officers wear on one of their hands.
Officers say the devices are speeding up the process of searching suspects in the street and helping them detect hidden weapons, drugs and needles.
Once the device is triggered the officer knows to conduct a more thorough search without alerting the suspect.
So far the gloves have been used by officers to catch a drug dealer hiding a stash of cannabis wrapped in foil and a bicycle thief who was hiding a pair of bolt croppers under his clothes.
Sgt Jim Hatton, of Leicester's city centre team, said: 'It's a very simple device but it's a very useful piece of kit. It's quick and it highlights if someone is carrying something we need to know about.
'It also tells us quickly if there is a potential danger, like someone carrying a knife or a syringe.
'We have to be at close quarters because it takes readings from about an inch away.'
Officers can only use the e-Glove when a suspect has been told they will be searched but officers do not have to tell them they are using a metal detector.
The city's violence and disorder team, whose responsibilities including policing bars and clubs, are also using the device - as well as an airport-style walk-through detector and small wands.
Superintendent Phil Whiteley added: 'This an exciting initiative which will allow our officers to carry out more effective searches. Thankfully, the carrying of knives here is rare.
'Operations such as this aim to make sure that this remains the case.'
