Acoustic devices being used on protesters, some believe it’s unlawful

Any technology can possess good and bad qualities.

For example, the Internet opens up a world of possibilities but leaves us susceptible to potential hacks and invasion of privacy. 

Acoustic devices have had some tech makeovers in the past decade and arguments for and against them are raging these days. 

(Image via LRAD Corporation)

Long-range acoustic devices (LRADs) are being used by law enforcement groups, Homeland Security, on campuses, and in emergency response situations.

The devices, developed by the LRAD Corporation, were designed as hailing and warning devices, but have also been used to broadcast deterrent tones over long distances. The easy-to-use systems can be handheld or mounted to vehicles for quick access when needed.
 
The piercing sounds can reach anywhere from 1,600 feet to 3,200 feet and the company says that people closer (within approximately 325 feet) can experience severe pain. Now the National Lawyers Guild is wondering whether or not it is legal to use such sound devices on protesters.

LRADs being used by law enforcement. (Image  via LRAD Corporation)

After civil rights marches took place in New York City on December 5, 2014, regarding a grand jury’s decision not to indict Police Officer Daniel Pantalo who choked a man which resulted in his death, a group of lawyers got together to write a letter to Police Commissioner Bill Bratton. As a result of the police department’s use of LRADs during the marches, several protesters were injured and the question has been raised as to whether or not these devices should be permitted.

A YouTube user was able to capture the use of the LRAD during the protests. Have a listen. 

This is not the first time law enforcement groups have used LRADs to quell the protesters (although in this case, it was reported that the protesters were not unruly). Back in August, the Ferguson Police Department in Missouri used LRADs on its protesting crowds. 

On a side note, the LRAD systems are also used at airports to deter birds from getting in the way of aircraft and LRAD Corporation has numerous case studies on its website that show the positive effects of such instruments.

For example, the Seattle Police Department was able to prevent a potential suicide with the use of an LRAD; the police used it so that they could contact the subject without having any uniformed officers in sight. 

Learn more about the sound devices and check out different models on LRAD Corporation's website.