Shock Tactics

The advanced laser gun is an electric stun gun which allows police to deal with violent people without causing injury or death, h has a laser sight to make sure the suspect is properly targeted. It uses a compressed air cartridge to fire two darts at the suspect. The darts pull behind them fine electric cable. They can penetrate the thickest clothing, up to 5 centimetres, at a range of 6.4 metres. When the darts hit someone, the gun delivers a 50,600 volt shock for five seconds. The shock causes temporary paralysis. "Laser waves, electrical signals, cause the suspect's muscles to contract. The guns contain a microchip which records the date and time of each firing.

The iris is the coloured ring round the central part of your eye. Each one is different, which makes it perfect for security systems such as Iris-scanning. First, your iris is scanned and the information converted to a digital file which is stored in a database. This process lakes about three minutes. When you go to a high security area, you simply look at a camera which scans your iris. The result is compared with your database entry. It takes just over a second to complete the check. The system is used at airports to speed passengers through passport control and to control entry to restricted areas. Some banks use it at ATM machines instead of PINs. Apart from the speed, the advantage is that users don't need to remember a password or key. This system can handle users wearing glasses, contact lenses, and also changes to the eye as people age. So far, it's foolproof.

Offender tracking consists of a small tracking unit worn on the belt or ankle. It uses the technology of Global positioning system (GPS) to record the wearer's movements. This data is fed to a server which matches movements with places. Some offenders are restricted to an area around their home. If they move outside that area, this is reported by email to the police. Some offenders are forbidden to enter certain areas. If they go there, this is reported automatically to the police. The system also contains details of crimes. If an offender is near the scene of a crime at the right time, a report is sent directly to the police.

Post-reading tasks

1. Form synonymous pairs.

1. To stun a) to go into/through

2. To penetrate b) to deal with

3. To cause c) to shock completely

4. To handle d) to induce

5. To match e) to be equal

2. Complete the following sentences.

1. A laser gun is able to … .

2. The system of iris-scanning is widely used in … .

3. GPS is the technology applied for … .

4. Laser guns contain … .

5. The system of iris scanning is used in … .

6. Offender tracking uses the technology … .

3. Join two sentences using connectives.

1. The suspect is properly targeted. A laser gun has a laser sight.

2. The date and the time of firing are recorded. The laser gun contains a microchip.

3. The iris is scanned. The information is stored in a database.

4. Users do not need remember password or key. This system has one more advantage.

5. Offender tracking uses GPS. His movements are recorded.

6. Offenders move outside the restricted area. This is reported to the police.