Government security to fit in back pocket

Berkeley Varitronics Systems (BVS) has released the PocketHound mobile phone detector in an effort to stop illegal and unsecure mobile phone use in government facilities, military installations and anywhere where a ‘no mobile phone’ policy is enforced.

PocketHound is a highly sensitive mobile phone detector that is specifically tuned to the RF signature of all 2G/3G/4G cell phones (US and international bands for PCS, CDMA/WCDMA, UMTS, GSM, EGSM). The receiver scans for any and all voice, texting and data transmissions and applies its unique autothresholding technology by comparing cellular measurements with the RF noise floor of that environment. This ensures that only genuine phone use (active or standby mode) will trigger the detector with user-selectable flashing LEDs and/or vibrating alerts. It detects all cellular RF activity within a 22.86 m radius, making it suitable for indoor use in areas where mobile phone use is prohibited and illegal.

The detector’s simple alerts and single-button operation make it simple to operate effectively and its size and weight are smaller than a pack of playing cards.

Its internal lithium polymer battery and USB charging system allow up to two hours of continuous runtime without any need for direct operation or recharging. This allows the PocketHound to be covertly used in order to detect and identify the source of prohibited mobile phone use.

The device was designed to target the recent proliferation of mobile phone use in environments where data and information intergrity is critical.

“With the widespread use of smartphones, everywhere, we’re seeing a growing market in policing mobile phone use, especially in government and state buildings, military complexes and even some private sectors where maintaining information security is paramount,” said Scott Schober, BVS president and CEO.