The portable X-ray machine, which enables police to “see” the contents of suspicious packages is part of a larger range of equipment acquired by Chifley LAC’s rescue unit, which attends everything from car crashes to protests.

One of three qualified bomb appraisal officers in the command, Sergeant Sergeant Lionel White said the machine makes it far safer for police to investigate suspicious packages.

The new machine, run by a generator, provides digital images of the contents of any package.

“Up until recently we used X-Ray equipment which required film, so when the picture was taken what came out was an image similar to if a person had an X-ray.

“This technology allows us to adjust definition and provides far higher quality images,” he said.

Sgt White said the X-ray operates via blue tooth, with  the bomb appraisal officer placing a screen behind the package and taking the images.

He said if the contents are suspicious, the bomb squad are called in.

Fortunately, in Bathurst the technology isn’t called on a lot.

“We’d probably only use it three times a year; we used it back in March when an Esky was accidentally left outside the post office.”

Sergeant White said rescue officers had a lot more specialised equipment now compared to previous years.

“This machine makes it a lot safer for police; it allows us to examine a suspicious package and examine its contents in a controlled manner.”

He said in the past when it came to bombs or improvised explosive devices, it was basically a case of don’t touch, tilt or tamper with the item.

This rule still applies, but now police are able to establish what is in a package.

Sgt White said even with the technology police still have to get within one metre of the package, although they aim to minimise what is called the “time over target.”

And while suspicious packages have not been a big problem in the command, in a world with a heightened risk of terrorism, Sgt White said it was good people are alert.

“Reports for suspicious packages come in spasmodically.

“Often people have a heightened awareness after something is in the media or there is an incident internationally.

 “People become hypervigilant. But we are lucky here; the Bathurst community is very safe.”