Long Range Acoustic Device

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An LRAD on top of a New York City police Hummer Soundweapon1.jpg
An LRAD on top of a New York City police Hummer
LRAD operator wearing hearing protection LRAD-US-Navy.jpg
LRAD operator wearing hearing protection
LRAD on a U.S. Navy ship USS Donald Cook.jpg
LRAD on a U.S. Navy ship

The Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) is an acoustic hailing device (AHD), sound cannon and sonic weapon developed by Genasys. It has been used mostly as a long-range communications device, but there are fears about potential damage to human health when used as a method of crowd control, has an extremely high decibel capacity (up to 160 dB). Other uses have included for negotiations in siege situations to deal with piracy at sea; for mass notification during natural disasters or other emergencies; and by defense forces, including several navies.

Contents

History

In October 2000 the USS Cole, an American guided missile destroyer, was bombed in a terrorist attack by al-Qaeda operatives, using a small boat packed with explosives. The naval personnel on Cole were unable to be sure that their messages could heard by the approaching boat at a sufficient distance to possibly avert the attack. [1] The ship was badly damaged, 17 U.S. Navy sailors killed and 37 injured. [2]

Following this attack, navies around the world made several policy changes, [1] while the American Technology Corporation (which was rebranded to LRAD Corporation in 2010 and to Genasys in late October 2019 [3] ) created and developed the AHD market, which included the launch of its proprietary Long Range Acoustic Device, a type of acoustic hailing device, in 2003. [4] Using this new technology, it became possible for naval personnel to contact approaching vessels which did not respond to radio calls from a distance of over 3,000 m (9,800 ft), enabling them to respond appropriately in a timely manner and avert danger. [5]

Since then the technology has developed and expanded. Genasys launched its voice-based mass notification systems in 2012, and in 2019 its unified multichannel Critical Communications and Enterprise Safety system. [4]

LRAD devices have become widely used for communications, and increasingly for crowd control in a range of settings, including civil disturbances and protests. [1]

Specifications and functionality

LRAD devices are made by Genasys. As of 2022, the company produces a range of LRAD products for mass notification systems. Touting its primary advantage of clarity and intelligibility of voice broadcasts over large distances, its product guide cites the following features: [4]

LRAD products range from hand-held devices to those mounted on helicopters, motor vehicles and ships. [4]

The parameter "ka", which is the wave number multiplied by the speaker radius, is often used to characterize sound source directivity. For this source, ka=19 at 2.5 kHz, and according to the LRAD data sheet, the beam angle of about 30 degrees total is what is predicted for a regular loudspeaker. [6] [ needs update ]

Small spherical "point-source" acoustic devices follow the known inverse square law, which predicts the loss of 6 decibels (dB) per doubling of distance from the source, solely due to geometric spreading. Large speakers (or large arrays), such as these, have an interference pattern in the nearfield which produces peaks 6 dB higher than the output pressure and nulls where the pressure is essentially zero. [7] The larger the speaker, and the higher the frequency, the longer the effective nearfield. The nearfield for this device is approximately 8 metres (26 ft). [7] An LRAD can thus emit a targeted "beam" of sound at very high volume, up to 160dB. This is louder than standing behind a jet engine taking off, or a nearby gunshot. [1]

Usage

Following the impetus for its initial development, 25 navies have adopted the use of LRADs as of 2022, to provide protection for their vessels. Navy personnel can contact approaching vessels from over 3,000 m (9,800 ft) and respond defensively if necessary. They are also used by coast guards, naval bases, commercial vessels, and in ports. [5]

Genasys offers its products for the following categories of use on its U.S. website: defense, law enforcement, fire and rescue services, border security, protection of critical infrastructure, and maritime safety. [8] As of 2022 its products are in use in 72 countries. On the Asia-Pacific website, targeting Australia, the stress is on emergency management during natural disasters such as bushfires. [9] It is not not categorized as a defense item, and does not require an export license. [10]

The technology can also be used to deter wildlife from airport runways, as at Changi Airport in Singapore, [11] and to protect gas and oil platforms from fishing boats, birds and security threats. [12] [13]

There are two basic ways of using LRAD devices: for voice amplification and as an alert. The technology used in "siren mode" (called an "alert tone" by Genasys [4] ), primarily for usage in emergency situations, has also been used for crowd control. In this mode, it allows sound transmission at around 2,000–4,000 Hertz, which causes maximum discomfort for the people targeted, as this is the frequency range at human hearing is most sensitive. [1] Although sometimes referred to as an Active Denial System, [3] the latter is based on a different technology, in which millimetre-wave radiation causes nerve receptors in the skin to feel heat, via dielectric heating. [1]

Risks

In addition to its "voice" feature, which acts as a loudspeaker, the LRAD has an "alert" feature, which emits loud chirping or beeping sounds, which can be used at the top of the decibel range of the device. [3] These sounds have been reported to cause pain and hearing damage. [14] The use of the alert function for crowd control has been described as a "sound cannon" or sonic weapon, [15] although has been denied by the manufacturer. The sound can be targeted within a narrow and specific range that does not impact those operating the device or standing next to it. Civil liberties organizations are concerned about its use by police forces, [10] and its use has been contested in law courts in the United States. One concern is that police officers are not receiving enough training in its use. [3]

Law enforcement organizations and the manufacturer claim that LRAD systems are primarily designed for long-range communications; [16] however, the device has an extremely high decibel capacity and has been controversially used as a less-lethal weapon for crowd control. [17] Police usually use models that are not quite as powerful as the military-grade version; owever, at their maximum levels of up to 154dB, they are capablbe of causing pain, disorientation, nausea, migraines, and potentially permanent damage. [3]

The NYPD's LRAD use is being challenged in US federal court. [14] [15] [18] Due to potential risks and a lack of studies on the health impact of sonic weapons, the American Civil Liberties Union recommended that their use on protesters be suspended. [18]

Deployments and uses

United States

An NYPD officer stands ready with the LRAD 500X at an Occupy Wall Street protest on November 17, 2011 near the city hall Long Range Acoustic Device 500X in New York City.jpg
An NYPD officer stands ready with the LRAD 500X at an Occupy Wall Street protest on November 17, 2011 near the city hall

An LRAD was present during protests of the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York City [19] but not used.[ citation needed ]

LRADs were used by the Pittsburgh PD during protests at the G20 Summit in September 2009. This was the first time it was used during a protest in the U.S. [20] [21]

LRAD was reportedly used [22] by the Oakland Police Department during the clearance of the Occupy Oakland encampment on the morning of 25 October 2011.

LRAD was present, but not used, when the New York City Police department cleared Occupy Wall Street protesters from Zuccotti Park on the morning of 15 November 2011. [23]

LRAD was deployed during a NATO march in Chicago on May 20, 2012, at Michigan Ave. & Cermack. [24]

The Salisbury, MD Police Department acquired an LRAD in October 2013 with proceeds from their speed cameras. [25]

St. Louis County police used LRAD during protests surrounding the police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. [26] Reporter Mike Tobin commented while broadcasting from Ferguson, MO on 18 August, "It doesn't have the effect of crippling people. It's just loud, it's annoying, it lets you know something big and official is coming and that's what's happening now. They can also use it as a loudspeaker to tell people to get out of the way." [27]

On December 5, 2014, the NYPD utilized an LRAD, notifying approximately 100 protestors to disperse, during the protest of the police killing of Eric Garner in Midtown Manhattan. [28]

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina police obtained two LRAD systems through a federal grant in March 2015. Myrtle Beach police captain Marty Brown told the Myrtle Beach city council that "his department is getting the LRADs to enhance their communication capabilities be it with large crowds or for emergency announcements such as evacuation orders." [29]

The NYPD used a Long Range Acoustic Device during the Baltimore solidarity rally in Union Square on April 29, 2015. An NYPD pickup truck equipped with an LRAD parked near protesters and broadcast a looped warning message about staying off the streets and not blocking the sidewalks. [30]

The New Jersey State Police used an armored-vehicle-mounted LRAD to communicate with crowds denied entry to a June 7, 2015 concert after they began throwing bottles and tried to rush the gates outside MetLife Stadium. [31]

The Greensboro, NC Police Department (GPD) purchased an LRAD 300X and demonstrated it for reporters in November 2015. Captain Jonathan Franks with GPD says it can be used for alerts for everything from riots to missing children to weather disasters. "I am sure, positive, 100% that in certain instances it will be able to not only save one life but numerous lives," said Franks. [32]

Police in San Diego, CA used an LRAD on May 27, 2016 to order anti-Trump protesters to disperse. [33]

Police from several agencies, including North Dakota state troopers, the National Guard, and other law enforcement agencies from surrounding counties and states deployed two LRADs to clear a protest camp and blockades along Highway 1806. "Long Range Acoustic Devices, which emit an ear-splitting whine, were used intermittently throughout the day" one reporter wrote. [34] An LRAD was present again on 11/20/2016 at the bridge just north of the protesters camp on highway 1806.[ citation needed ]

The Columbus, OH Police Department (CPD) demonstrated a Long Range Acoustic Device to the local media on November 21, 2016. CPD expects to use the device for crowd control, barricaded suspect operations, and to communicate to residents during emergencies and natural disasters. [35]

The Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department used a LRAD at the January 21, 2017 Women's March. [36]

On February 17, 2017, the Princess Anne Police Department deployed its LRAD system at the request of the Maryland State Police to disperse an unruly concert crowd on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Chief Tim Bozman of the Princess Anne Police Department said, "Its a very good piece of equipment for incidents like this." [37]

The Mendocino County (California) Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of a Long Range Acoustic Device for the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office on April 18, 2017. "Sheriff Tom Allman said the device will aid in searches for missing persons, most often hunters and mushroom pickers, which cost the county tens of thousands of dollars. Allman recalled the 2011 search for Aaron Bassler, who had been accused of murdering two men in Fort Bragg and led law enforcement officers on an intense manhunt in the Noyo Basin, saying the LRAD might have made that search a little easier. He said it could also be used to warn residents in case of a tsunami. Last year, MCSO was able to test an LRAD out of a low-flying plane along the coast, and it proved sufficient. He also said the LRAD could prove a valuable asset in a barricaded-person situation (a person hiding out from officers in a building) to communicate from the outside of the building, which has happened before". [38]

The Phoenix, AZ city council approved the purchase of two LRAD 500X systems in November 2018. The speakers will “provide an ability for us to give clear and concise messages to groups of people whenever we find it necessary to communicate with them,” according to Sgt. Mercedes Fortune. [39]

Rochester NY police used verbal warnings and an LRAD to help disperse disorderly crowds during the August 2019 Puerto Rican Festival. [40]

Police utilized a Long Range Acoustic device to declare an unlawful assembly in downtown Phoenix, AZ on May 28, 2020 during the George Floyd protests. Multiple announcements were made in English and Spanish. [41]

During the same period, the LRAD was used at a protest in front of the Arkansas State Capitol. [42]

The Portland Police Bureau used a vehicle-mounted LRAD during the George Floyd protests on June 4, 2020 and on other occasions during the protests. [43] [44] [45]

The Seattle Police Department purchased an LRAD in response to claims that it did not adequately communicate orders to demonstrators during the summer 2020 protests. [46] SPD's use of its LRAD was alleged to have caused ear damage to a peaceful demonstrator, although an internal SPD review deemed the allegations to be unsustained. [47]

A BearCat mounted LRAD was used to emit voice messages and high-pitched sirens in Kenosha, WI on August 24, 2020 in front of the Kenosha County Courthouse to disperse crowds assembled in Civic Center Park as part of the Jacob Blake protests. [48] [49] [50]

Rochester, NY police used a Long Range Acoustic Device to make announcements to protesters that they were unlawfully in the roadway and obstructing traffic on September 12, 2020. The device was also used at the September 16, 2020 protest in front of the Rochester city hall. [51] [52]

In September 2020 it was revealed that federal officials had explored the use of the device and the Active Denial System ("heat ray") to disperse civilians protesting outside the White House in June of that year, but had been advised that the National Guard was not currently in possession of either device. [53]

Protesters at the June 1, 2020 Washington, D.C. George Floyd protests said police gave little or no warning before employing aggressive tactics against them. A 2015 settlement requires federal police to give large crowds several loud dispersal orders before deploying chemical irritants and other dispersion tools. Using an LRAD to issue loud protest dispersal orders would have complied with the 2015 settlement requirement. [54] [55]

The Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department purchased Long Range Acoustic Devices to improve the department's ability to issue dispersal orders clearly over long distances. The purchases resulted from the department's after-action report of the May 30, 2020 riot in downtown Cleveland. [56]

After receiving feedback last summer from protesters who said commands from on-scene officers were not clear or loud enough, the Seattle, WA mayor's office recommended purchasing an LRAD. [57]

On March 6, 2021, the Boulder Police Department used a toned warble noise from an LRAD in an effort to disperse a crowd of up to 800 students from the University of Colorado Boulder. The University Hill Incident occurred when code enforcement and members of Boulder Police’s Neighborhood Impact Team were unable to disperse partygoers who were congregating against Boulders public health order. LRAD was used after students and other partygoers began throwing rocks at SWAT vehicles and officers. [58]

On April 12, 2021, the Brooklyn Center, MN Police Department deployed a vehicle mounted LRAD outside of its headquarters to announce curfew violations and dispersal orders to a large crowd protesting the death of Daunte Wright. [59] [60]

On July 3, 2021, Massachusetts State Police utilized an LRAD to secure a group of 11 suspects involved in the Sovereign Citizen movement. The group identified themselves as part of the "Rise of the Moors" movement, or "Moorish Americans". The self styled militia group was traveling between Rhode Island and Maine when an MSP trooper came across their convoy refueling. The group had multiple firearms in their possession, and admitted to not having proper carrying requirements. Several fled into the surrounding forest at which point the LRAD was deployed. The group was taken into custody without further incident. [61]

The Oklahoma County, OK Sheriff's Office Tactical Team used a vehicle-mounted LRAD on November 22, 2021 to serve a search warrant on a residence suspected of being used for drug trafficking. [62]

Australia

Genasys has supplied its products in Australia since 2013, when it partnered with Nokia phone company to deliver emergency notifications via SMS, following the disastrous consequences of the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009. [9] By mid-2016, most Australian police forces had acquired LRADs (Queensland Police said that they had been using the since 2009), [63] and concerns were raised about their use for crowd control. [64] However, before 2020, there was no use of the LRAD in public situations; most usage had been by the various police forces for communications during natural disasters or for negotiations with hostage-takers [1] [63] in a siege, where it was too dangerous to approach a suspect. [63] [64] In June 2020, during the Black Lives Matters protests in New South Wales, NSW Police used LRADs in a different way for the first time, [1] and it has been used at other anti-racism protests in Australia. [65]

The device came to the attention of the wider public when it was used at the 2022 anti-vaccine mandate Canberra protests in "loud hailer" mode for voice messages to be announced to the protesters, and there was speculation among protesters regarding purported harms from its use. However there was no evidence that it was used as a siren. In addition, some reports appeared to confuse the LRAD with other crowd control devices, such as the Active Denial System; [1] one activist claimed that "supersonic weapons" had been used. [65]

Czech Republic

On June 26, 2015, Czech Special Forces Police may have deployed an LRAD 500X during anti-immigration and anti-Islam protests in Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic. [66] [67]

Police in Prague used a vehicle-mounted LRAD on November 17, 2020 to repeatedly alert protesters on Wenceslas Square to follow COVID restrictions and wear masks. [68] On that day, police supervised several rallies, meetings and demonstrations. Thousands of participants gathered at the largest protests in the Old Town Square. The police and a Prague City Hall representative used an LRAD to repeatedly call upon demonstrators to follow COVID public safety protocols and to comply with security measures. [69]

During a November 25, 2021 march from the center of Prague to the local soccer stadium for a Europa Conference League match, Prague police and regional Czech law enforcement officers utilized vehicle mounted LRADs to broadcast frequent warnings against the use of pyrotechnics by the large crowds. [70]

Germany

Bad Homburg's fire brigade and city police used an LRAD 100X system more than 60 times in the first half of 2020 for delivering COVID-19 information. [71]

Greece

Hellenic Police acquired two LRAD systems to be used at the Evros border. These were tested after the March 2020 migrant crisis at the border, triggered by the Turkish government. They are to be used as a deterrent against illegal border entry, as a notification system, as well as to handle aggressive actions against the Hellenic Armed Forces. [72] [73]

Japan

Japan's Coast Guard used Long Range Acoustic Devices and other methods to expel a North Korean fishing flotilla from its waters in September 2017. [74]

In February 2009, the Japanese whaling fleet operating in Antarctic waters near Australia installed LRADs on their vessels. The device was used against activists of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. [75] The Japanese fleet later escalated the use of LRAD, deploying it against a Sea Shepherd helicopter carrying a camera crew. [76] [77] Sea Shepherd noted that they had an LRAD of their own, but as of early 2010, had not put it into use [78] other than to play a recording of "Ride of the Valkyries" in the manner of attacking U.S. Army helicopters depicted in the 1979 film Apocalypse Now . [79]

Poland

LRAD was present, but not used because of current legal regulations during protests in Poland, including Million Marijuana March 2011 and Marsz Niepodległości (National Independence Day March) 2011 and 2012. Lacking a way to utilize the LRADs purchased to their full potential sparked an investigation suspecting corruption behind their acquisition. National Police Headquarters spokesman Mariusz Sokolowski defended the purchase of LRAD. He also stressed that the police decided to make this investment because, "We needed good sound reinforcement equipment. With numerous demonstrations and gatherings, police need a public address system that allows you to reach thousands of people." [80]

Municipal police in Gdańsk, Poznań, Kołobrzeg and other cities in Poland are using LRAD systems to deliver COVID-19 notifications. [81] [82]

Spain

Local police in Leganés, Spain are using a vehicle-mounted LRAD to deliver alerts and notifications to residents during the country-wide COVID-19 lockdown. According to Citizen Security, Communication and local government spokesman, Oscar Oliveira, “Because the acoustic device can be heard inside of houses, we can inform older residents with mobility issues that all municipal resources are available through the Citizen Attention Service by calling 010.” [83]

United Kingdom

It was confirmed by the Ministry of Defence on May 11, 2012 that an LRAD would be deployed in London during the Olympics. It was spotted fixed to a landing craft on the Thames. [84]

Mass notification

United States

Menlo Park and Atherton, CA police and fire officials attended a 'sound off' between a siren installation and an LRAD 360XT mobile voice mass notification system in April 2018. "The side by side test was very helpful and everyone agreed that the LRAD system completely outperformed the older siren system," said Fire District Emergency Manager Ryan Zollicoffer. "Not only because of the voice capability, but the modular-mobility benefit is something that appeals to first responders because it can be used for a variety of public safety purposes and better moved around if that's needed or desired." [85]

The Menlo Park Fire District demonstrated its Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) community notification system on April 18, 2019. The fire district also showed how the ShakeAlert system could eventually be tied together with its LRAD to provide area wide audible alerts for earthquake, flood, fire and other emergencies. “ShakeAlert will notify and protect our Station firefighters, but we also believe coupled with the LRAD public address system, it can help to bridge the ‘notification gap’ as another important public safety tool and option for community early warning messaging for earthquakes as well as for fire and flooding information and evacuation signaling," said Fire Chief Harold Schapelhouman. [86]

The City of Laguna Beach, CA installed LRAD speaker sirens in 2018. The systems alert the downtown and Main Beach areas during an emergency where the public needs to take immediate action. [87]

In June 2019, Mill Valley, CA became the first city in the Bay Area to replace its sirens with LRAD community notification systems. The combined siren loudspeakers receive emergency messages via satellite and have backup batteries if the power fails. [88]

The Mill Valley Fire Department began testing its city's new LRAD installations on June 27, 2019. LRAD systems project both siren and voice recordings to alert and inform community members during large-scale disasters. The Long Range Acoustic Devices replaced siren-only systems in five Mill Valley, CA locations. "We believe that the purchase and installation of LRAD goes a long way to improve the resiliency and redundancy of our communication systems," Mill Valley Fire Chief Tom Welch said. "LRAD systems are highly effective in communicating warnings, instructions, and notifications throughout incident sites and over vast areas during life-threatening events." [89]

The City of Newport plans to spend $200,000 to replace three rusty tsunami warning sirens on the Balboa Peninsula with LRAD siren/public address systems. The LRAD systems are expected to be installed by the end of 2019. [90]

In October 2020, Laguna Beach, CA tested its expanded outdoor warning system of 13 Long Range Acoustic Devices mounted on buildings throughout the city. The solar-powered devices broadcast recorded evacuation messages in case cell service is disabled during a disaster [91]

High seas anti-piracy

LRAD on RMS Queen Mary 2 LRAD.JPG
LRAD on RMS Queen Mary 2

On November 5, 2005, the luxury cruise ship Seabourn Spirit employed an LRAD to repel pirates who attacked the vessel with rocket-propelled grenades about 115 km off the coast of Somalia. [92] The effectiveness of this device during the attack is not completely clear, but the pirates did not succeed in boarding the vessel and eventually fled.

The Liberian vessel MV Biscaglia was attacked on November 28, 2008. The security detachment aboard Biscaglia was reported to have used an LRAD device in an effort to repel attackers armed with assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades. Following a one-sided shootout, the ship was seized and the unarmed security contractors abandoned ship leaving the ship and crew to the pirates. [93] The incident caused the usefulness of LRADs to be called into question by Lloyd's List . [94]

In January 2011, the Spirit of Adventure , a cruise ship sailing through the Indian Ocean, deployed an LRAD system as part of its defensive measures when being pursued by pirates. [95]

S/Y Hideaway used an LRAD in 2016 to deter suspected pirates in the Gulf of Aden. [96]

Major users

See also

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Security for the 2012 Summer Olympics

The security preparations for the 2012 Summer Olympics—with the exception of the air counter-terrorist plan, which was a RAF responsibility—was led by the police, with 13,000 officers available, supported by 17,000 members of the armed forces. Royal Navy, Army and RAF assets, including ships situated in the Thames, Typhoon jets, radar, helicopter-borne snipers, and surface-to-air missiles, were deployed as part of the security operation which was named Operation Olympics by the Ministry of Defence. The final cost of the security operation was estimated £553m.

Acoustic harassment and acoustic deterrents are technologies used to keep animals and in some cases humans away from an area. Applications of the technology are used to keep marine mammals away from aquaculture facilities and to keep birds away from certain areas. The devices have also been employed to keep marine mammals away from fishing nets. The devices are known as acoustic harassment devices (AHDs) and acoustic deterrent devices, which are smaller AHDs or intended as an awareness tool to warn species to the presence of danger rather than as a tool of harassment at a much louder level.

References

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