New vibes in body search techniques

August 2001 Security Services & Risk Management

Guartel UK has just launched its latest cutting edge product, the Palm PD1 hands free metal detector, in South Africa. The search head of the PD1 is a lightweight stopwatch shaped coil which is less than 50 mm in diameter and only 5 mm thick. The detection fits snuggly into the palm of the hand of the user being held in place with a wrist band incorporating a PVC location pin which locates into the detector head. If required gloves can be worn by security personnel to eliminate visual evidence of the device.

The power and electronics pack for the PD1 is a compact moulded housing (105 x 32 x 20 mm) that can be attached to the belt or in the pocket of the user, or concealed by strapping around the upper arm. This high sensitivity detector provides visual, audio and vibrating alarms. When switched on the LED on the power-pack glows green and this changes to red on detection of any metal by the user. At the same time the power pack incorporates a vibration that provides a powerful stimulatory (and covert) warning of the presence of metal. If required an earpiece is provided which through an auxiliary cable will provide an audio signal.

A three-way switch allows the user to select any combination of vibrating and audio alarms, the visual alarm always being active.

The PD1 can easily detect a 20c (SA) piece at 50 mm and the wrapping in a cigarette box at over 100 mm. A single staple provides an alarm at 10 mm. The Palm is powered by a single 9 V PP3 battery, the alkaline type being preferred. The only controls are the on/off switch and a volume control for the earpiece. While the Palm can be used in place of wand detectors in any search situation a major application is less overt search situations for VIPs or in nightclubs.

As the detector is located within the palm of the hand normal 'pat-down' search techniques are highly effective as the detector coils are in much closer proximity to the suspect objects than any other type of sweep detector. The hands of the searcher are of course also totally free. Operated covertly (or discreetly) under gloves provides even more of a deterrent as potential perpetrators are not aware who is actually using the Palm. It is also a very less aggressive approach to effective body searching for shops, conferences and exhibitions.

The sole distributor of the Palm PD1 in southern Africa is Guartel SA of Pretoria. The Guartel range of products include a variety of metal and mine detectors.

For further details contact Guartel SA on tel: (012) 329 4116.





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

SMARTpod talks to The Risk Management Forum
SMART Security Solutions Editor's Choice News & Events Security Services & Risk Management Videos Training & Education
SMART Security Solutions recently released its first SMARTpod podcast, discussing the upcoming Risk Management Forum Conference 2024, which will be held on 26 September 2024 at the Indaba Conference Centre in Fourways, Johannesburg.

Read more...
There is a SaaS for everything, but at what cost, especially to SMEs?
Editor's Choice Information Security Security Services & Risk Management
Relying on SaaS platforms presents significant cybersecurity risks as the number of providers in your landscape increases, expanding your attack surface. It is important to assess the strength of the SaaS providers in your chain.

Read more...
Unlocking new efficiencies in private security
Security Services & Risk Management Transport (Industry) Smart Home Automation Logistics (Industry)
Justin Manson, Sales Director at Webfleet, discusses how the urgent need to protect life, and to do so more efficiently, is driving continuous innovation in holistic home and residential security services in South Africa.

Read more...
Innovation and security go hand in hand
Technews Publishing Facilities & Building Management Security Services & Risk Management
In a world where the demand for tech innovation is matched only by the acceleration of cybersecurity threats, businesses face the challenge of balancing new product development and robust security measures.

Read more...
Bomb threat landscape in South Africa
Editor's Choice Security Services & Risk Management
Over the past 25 years, South Africa has faced thousands of bomb threats and explosive incidents annually, imposing a significant economic burden on the nation, costing billions of rand.

Read more...
Natural catastrophes and fire risks top concerns
Security Services & Risk Management Asset Management Residential Estate (Industry)
Natural disasters are the highest risk in the real estate industry, followed by fire and explosions, and then business interruption. Estates must prioritise risk management and take proactive measures to safeguard their assets, employees, and reputation.

Read more...
Building a solid foundation
Alwinco Security Services & Risk Management Asset Management Residential Estate (Industry)
Understanding the roles of a Risk Assessor and a Risk Manager is like building a solid and secure foundation in the security world. Andre Mundell makes it easy to understand.

Read more...
SA firms take nine months to detect data breaches
Information Security Security Services & Risk Management
A human being can be conceived and brought into the world at roughly the same time a South African small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) becomes aware of and reports a data breach.

Read more...
Be wary of these scams this tax season
News & Events Security Services & Risk Management
As we approach the end of August, millions of South Africans will log onto the SARS eFiling website or visit their closest branch to complete their tax returns, but scammers are also waiting to defraud with tax-related scams.

Read more...
Businesses battle for long-term sustainability
Security Services & Risk Management News & Events
KPMG International’s report reveals the three key risks to growth in 2024 and beyond: geopolitical uncertainty, trade restrictions, and divergence on AI. The energy and natural resources sector is the ‘most exposed’ industry group in 2024.

Read more...