THE New York Police Department is taking a page out of the RoboCop playbook — outfitting cops with Google Glass so a suspect’s life story can flash right before their eyes.

Law enforcement sources told The New York Post department bosses bought a few pairs of the futuristic eyewear and are beta testing them with the hopes of using them out in the field.

“It’s in the early stages,” a source said of the NYPD’s use of the specs. “A handful of people are testing it out.”

The high-tech glasses — which integrate a computerised interface into the wearer’s field of vision — could allow cops to instantly see a suspect’s arrest record, mugshot and other key information.

“If it works, it could be very beneficial for a cop on patrol who walks into a building with these glasses on,” the source said.

“It would be like the Terminator. You walk past somebody and you get his pedigree info if he’s wanted for a warrant right on your eye screen.

“You can identify the bad guys immediately within seconds.”

In addition to providing cops with instant internet access, Google Glass could also be used to record audio and video of interactions with suspects and other members of the public.

“That would enhance the safety of officers,” the source said. “It’s a win win for cops and the public.”

The glasses, which have yet to hit the market, are only available through Google’s Glass Explorer Program.

It allows organisations to beta-test the new specs for a price of US$1,500 each, according to Google’s website.

“We signed up, got a few pairs of the Google glasses, and we’re trying them out, seeing if they have any value in investigations, mostly for patrol purposes,” a law enforcement source told Venturebeat.com, which first reported the NYPD’s testing of the device.

“We think it could help impact patrol operations in New York City. We shall see.”

A Google spokesman said the tech site it is not working directly with law enforcement agencies to test Google Glass’ crime fighting potential, but the Explorer program is open to anyone who wants to apply.

“The Glass Explorer program includes people from all walks of life, including doctors, firefighters and parents,” the spokesman said.

“Anyone can sign up to become a Glass Explorer. The only requirements are that he or she be a US resident and over the age of 18.”

The NYPD did not respond to a request for comment on its use of the device.”

This article originally appeared on the NY Post

Originally published as Inspector gadget: NYPD using Google Glass to fight crime