The reason they like the dowsing rod (because that's basically what it is) is that they just like being able to justify any action they take.
It's merely a less baroque version of "drug-sniffing" dogs (who cue from their handlers) and polygraph tests.
Unfortunately until someone invents a handheld device which can "smell" as well as a dog's nose, I don't see this changing.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/crime-courts/legal-challen...