New police torches will spot fake licences

File photo / NZ Herald

Front line police are moving into bright new future with a torch which can spot fake driver licences which do not have a ultra violet light marking.

The police are replacing the heavy metal Maglite torch with a Streamlight Multiops LED torch worn clipped to body armour just below the shoulder.

Inspector Nic Brown of Police National Headquarters said the torch used three AAA batteries and was lighter and more powerful than the Maglite torch.

It was made from corrosion-resistant anodised aircraft aluminium and could run for nearly five hours before the three batteries ran flat.

Mr Brown would not say how much the torches would cost the police but when it was launched last year the American manufacturers said it would retail for about $90.

When clipped on the torch allowed an officer to be hands free.

- NZPA