Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Faro Launches Innovative, User-Friendly Handheld 3D Laser Scanner

Faro Technologies, Inc., known for its 3D measurement, imaging, and realization technology, announces the release of the new Faro Freestyle3D Handheld Laser Scanner, an intuitive device for use in law enforcement.

January 7, 2015
Faro Launches Innovative, User-Friendly Handheld 3D Laser Scanner

Photo: Faro Technologies

2 min to read


Faro Technologies, Inc., known for its 3D measurement, imaging, and realization technology, announces the release of the new Faro Freestyle3D Handheld Laser Scanner, an easy, intuitive device for use in law enforcement as well as various industries.

The Faro Freestyle3D is equipped with a Microsoft Surface tablet and offers real-time visualization by allowing the user to view point cloud data as it is captured. The Freestyle3D scans to a distance of up to three meters and captures up to 88K points per second with accuracy better than 1.5mm. The patent-pending, self-compensating optical system also allows users to start scanning immediately with no warm-up time required.

Ad Loading...

"The Freestyle3D is the latest addition to the Faro 3D laser scanning portfolio and represents another step on our journey to democratize 3D scanning," says Jay Freeland, Faro's president and CEO. "Following the successful adoption of our Focus scanners for long-range scanning, we've developed a scanner that provides customers with the same intuitive feel and ease-of-use in a handheld device."

The portability of Freestyle3D enables users to maneuver and scan in tight and hard-to-reach areas such as car interiors, under tables and behind objects making it ideal for crime scene data collection or architectural preservation and restoration activities. Memory-scan technology enables Freestyle3D users to pause scanning at any time and then resume data collection where they left off without the use of artificial targets.

Freeland adds, "Faro's customers continue to stress the importance of work-flow simplicity, portability, and affordability as key drivers to their continued use and adoption of 3D laser scanning. We have responded by developing an easy-to-use, industrial grade, handheld laser scanning device that weighs less than 2 lbs."

The Freestyle3D can be employed as a standalone device to scan areas of interest, or used in concert with Faro's Focus X 130 / X 330 scanners. Point cloud data from all of these devices can be seamlessly integrated and shared with all of Faro's software visualization tools including Faro Scene, WebShare Cloud, and Faro CAD Zone packages.

For more information about Faro's 3D scanning solutions visit: www.faro.com

Ad Loading...

About Faro

Faro develops and markets computer-aided measurement and imaging devices and software. Technology from Faro permits high-precision 3D measurement, imaging and comparison of parts and complex structures within production and quality assurance processes. The devices are used for inspecting components and assemblies, rapid prototyping, documenting large volume spaces or structures in 3D, surveying and construction, as well as for investigation and reconstruction of accident sites or crime scenes.

More information is available at https://www.faro.com/

More Technology

Officer smiling with an executive
SponsoredMay 19, 2026

How Patrolfinder Uses Data to Make Streets Safer

Law enforcement agencies have long relied on instinct and routine to optimize patrols. Patrolfinder uses data to help agencies see where officers go — and where they don’t — to improve visibility and maximize coverage.

Read More →
Graphic depicting crime prevention, featuring a shadowed hooded figure against a dark city backdrop with police lights and shield imagery. Text reads: “Crime Prevention Through Remote Guarding with Human Intervention.”
Technologyby Wayne ParhamMay 14, 2026

Crime Prevention by Merging Tech with Human Intervention

Elite Interactive Solutions tackles crime prevention with technology and human intervention, working closely with local police to provide insights when a response is needed. The key is to blend the latest in remote video monitoring, artificial intelligence, and a well-trained agent with eyes on the scene.

Read More →
Close-up of a person holding an Axis body-worn camera toward the viewer. The camera is in sharp focus, while the person wearing a dark uniform appears blurred in the background outdoors.
TechnologyMay 7, 2026

Case Study Details Integration of Body-Worn Cameras with CAD

The Billerica Police Department (Massachusetts) improved transparency and accountability, sharpened evidence management, and reduced manual hours by integrating Axis Communications body-worn cameras with its Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Dark map of downtown Chicago displaying three emergency alerts for reported gunfire near Randolph Street, W Harrison Street, and N Columbus Drive. Blue circular markers indicate locations near Union Park, Clark Art Museum, and Jack Academy High School.
TechnologyMay 7, 2026

ZeroEyes Public Safety Alerts Integrates Samdesk for Real-Time Risk Detection and Awareness

ZeroEyes has integrated Samdesk into its Public Safety Alerts platform to deliver faster, verified intelligence to help organizations understand emerging risks and respond quickly.

Read More →
High-angle view of cars with lights turned on crossing the George Washington Bridge at dusk.
TechnologyMay 7, 2026

NJ Police Department Combines Strong Technology & Public Safety Strategy

The Fort Lee Police Department in New Jersey has modernized with Genetec Security Center, including video management, automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), and Clearance digital evidence management.

Read More →
Graphic with image of crime scene investigator and yellow evidence markers and black box covering the persons idenity and headline Automated Redaction.
TechnologyApril 30, 2026

Pimloc & Dynamic Workflow Solutions Partner to Deliver Data Management and Automated Redaction

The joint redaction solution from Pimloc and Dynamic Workflow Solutions helps agencies reduce FOIA response time and compliance risk by automatically redacting faces, license plates, and other sensitive information from digital evidence.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Fans cheer at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium during a football game at The University of Alabama.
TechnologyApril 23, 2026

The University of Alabama Rolls Out Couter-Drone Technology

The University of Alabama is using D-Fend Solutions as a counter-drone technology supplier for campus and game-day airspace security. The University integrates D-Fend’s EnforceAir into its Emergency Operations Center (EOC), utilizing a unified command framework to collaborate with local, state, and federal partners during major events.

Read More →
Man working in front of multiple computer screens.
TechnologyApril 22, 2026

Motorola Solutions Now Part of the Cyber Threat Alliance

Motorola Solutions is now part of the Cyber Threat Alliance, the first formally organized nonprofit group of cybersecurity practitioners that work together in good faith to share threat information and improve global defenses against advanced cyber adversaries.

Read More →
Bar chart showing what police departments spend budget on for security.
TechnologyApril 22, 2026

Genetec 2026 State of Physical Security Report Reveals Public Safety Priorities & Challenges

Survey results from Genetec’s 2026 State of Physical Security Report highlight the demand for integrated systems that improve response times and reduce investigative workload. Nearly nine in 10 respondents said they use security data to help keep officers safe.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Tinted blue background image of traffic with inset images for an ALPR camera, a police dispatcher, and a logo for Flock Safety.
TechnologyApril 16, 2026

Flock Safety Introduces Audit Assistance, Its Latest Trust & Compliance Tool

Audit Assistance is the latest tool in the Flock Trust & Compliance suite, a first-of-its-kind set of products and services that provides communities with guardrails and customization for accountability, transparency, and responsible use of the Flock platform.

Read More →