What are LRADs? All you need to know about sound canons that can make protestors deaf?

New Delhi: In the backdrop of the recent Delhi Chalo march by protesting farmers, the Delhi Police have introduced a new addition to their arsenal: Long-Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs). These LRADs represent a significant advancement in non-lethal crowd control technology, offering law enforcement a powerful tool to manage large gatherings and maintain public order.

Question: What are LRADs?

Answer: LRADs are sophisticated sonic weapons designed to emit highly concentrated and intense sound waves. Resembling large loudspeakers, they can be mounted on vehicles or tripods, providing flexibility in deployment.

Question: What are LRAD's capabilities and sonic power?

Answer: LRADs are capable of emitting sounds reaching up to 160 decibels, which surpasses the intensity of a jet engine's roar. This level of sound intensity can cause disorientation, induce migraines, and even result in permanent hearing damage.

Question: How are LRADs developed, deployed?

Answer: Initially developed for the US military following the 2000 USS Cole attack, LRADs have found application in various scenarios, including riot control, public announcements, and negotiations during maritime operations.

Question: How is LRAD used in maritime security?

Answers: LRADs have been instrumental in combating piracy and ensuring maritime security, with the US Navy employing them effectively against Somali pirates.

Question: How is LRAD used in crowd control?

Answers: During events such as the 2014 Black Lives Matter protests and anti-vaccine demonstrations in Australia, LRADs were deployed for crowd control, enabling law enforcement to manage large gatherings and maintain order.

Question: How is LRAD used in emergency communications?

Answers: LRADs' clear and focused sound projection makes them invaluable for mass announcements during emergencies or disasters, enabling authorities to communicate vital information over long distances effectively.

Question: What are controversies, concerns surrounding LRAD?

Answers: Despite their utility, LRADs have sparked controversy due to their potential to cause permanent hearing damage. Human rights activists have raised concerns about their use against civilians, especially in the absence of comprehensive studies on their long-term effects.

Question: Why is it advised to use hearing protection?

Answers: Given the risk of hearing damage posed by LRADs, individuals exposed to their sound waves are advised to seek immediate shelter or move out of the device's range to mitigate potential harm.

Question: Why are earplugs ineffective against LRADs?

Answers: Traditional hearing protection measures such as earplugs and headphones are largely ineffective against the intense sound emitted by LRADs, highlighting the need for alternative safety strategies.

The introduction of LRADs into the Delhi Police's toolkit marks a significant development in crowd control and public safety measures. While LRADs offer law enforcement agencies a valuable means of managing large gatherings and ensuring public order, their deployment must be accompanied by stringent safety protocols to prevent unintended harm to civilians.

Question: How do LRADs work?

Answer: LRADs emit highly concentrated sound waves to disorient individuals and deter potential threats.

Question: Are LRADs used exclusively by law enforcement?

Answer: LRADs have found applications beyond law enforcement, including maritime security and emergency communications.

Question: Can LRADs cause permanent hearing damage?

Answer: Yes, extended exposure to the intense sound emitted by LRADs can result in permanent hearing loss.

Question: Are there any safety measures individuals can take when exposed to LRADs?

Answer: Seeking immediate shelter or moving out of the device's range can help mitigate the risk of hearing damage.

Question: Do earplugs provide adequate protection against LRADs?

Answer: No, traditional hearing protection measures such as earplugs are largely ineffective against the intense sound emitted by LRADs.

Question: What are some of the controversies surrounding LRADs?

Answer: LRADs have faced criticism from human rights activists due to concerns about their potential for causing harm to civilians and the lack of comprehensive studies on their long-term effects.