How Do the Acoustic Weapons of Police Departments Work?
In recent weeks, acoustic weapons such as stun grenades and sonic guns have gained new prominence in the public consciousness with their inclusion in the arsenal of weapons used by police against protesters. Stun grenades , also called stun grenades , are explosive devices that emit an extremely loud popping and bright light when detonated , and are designed to disorient people. A Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), also called a “sonic cannon,” is a sound system and a sonic energy weapon is used to disperse crowds by emitting extremely loud, high-frequency noise that can cause pain, disorientation and injury to those exposed. … One of the most prominent recent examples of their use is MSNBC reporter Joe Lin Kent, who was hit by a flash grenade on live television while covering protests in Seattle.
Although both types of devices are only intended to disorient people, stun grenades and sonic guns can cause very serious injury.
Flashbang grenades
One possible injury from an explosive grenade is hearing loss . Their detonation causes a noise that is louder than that of a jet engine and can cause temporary deafness, ringing in the ears and loss of balance. If a person is close enough to a flash grenade when it detonates, hearing loss can be permanent. Other injuries can occur, be it the force of the explosion or the heat generated by the detonation itself – when the flashing powder ignites, it occurs at a temperature higher than lava.
The use of flashbang grenades by the police is little documented. A 2015 ProPublica investigation found that at least 50 Americans, including police officers, have been seriously injured or killed by a flashbang since 2000. Many more victims could have gone unnoticed as few records are kept of how many times the police used them.
Perhaps the most notable injury was to a 19-month-old boy who was seriously injured in 2014 during an anti-drug raid in Georgia after officers threw a flashbang into his crib and it fell on a pillow next to him. face, causing burns to the face and throat. The police were looking for the family’s cousin, who was not there at the time and who later surrendered peacefully.
The nineteen month old baby was placed in a medical coma for a month. He has undergone extensive reconstructive surgeries and will need more as he gets older. The operating costs of caring for him are reported to be $ 1.6 million – an amount that Habersham County, Georgia, initially refused to pay, although the family was later able to pay $ 3.6 million in a civil lawsuit. The grand jury recommended not to initiate criminal proceedings against the officers.
The use of stun grenades is poorly regulated and training requirements are not coordinated between police departments. If you are in a situation where they are used against you, there is little you can do to protect yourself from the worst of their consequences. Some sources suggest using earplugs for noise protection; others say they can make you vulnerable if earplugs reduce your hearing in a rapidly changing situation. The most you can do is try to avoid being hit in the first place, which is easier said than done given the police’s apparent tendency to retaliate against peaceful protesters.
Sonic cannons
The sound cannon looks like a large bulky stereo system and is capable of making sounds intended to disorientate. Injuries from sonic cannons can include persistent ringing in the ears that can last for minutes or days, headaches, nausea, sweating, dizziness, and loss of balance. More serious consequences can include permanent hearing loss.
The sonic cannon was used against people protesting the death of Eric Garner and six people in the vicinity of the device who subsequently developed symptoms including migraines, sinus pain, dizziness, pressure on the face, and ringing in the ears. In recent protests against protesters in Portland, Oregon, sonic cannons were used; San Jose, California; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Phoenix, Arizona; Columbus, Ohio; Charleston, South Carolina; and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; among other cities.
To avoid injury, if you notice that the police have installed a sonic cannon, it is best to keep an eye on the signs they are about to use. An indicator might be that they first use a sonic cannon as a loudspeaker and order the protesters to clear the area.
If you think the police are going to use a sonic cannon, the further you can get away from them, the better. It can also help you find cover on a hard surface like brick or cement that can deflect sound waves. Another strategy is to wear earplugs or headphones if you are in a safe position, remembering that in large crowds, situational awareness is paramount. Ordinary earplugs or cotton balls will not work, like regular noise canceling headphones. Instead, you will need ear muffs or earplugs, such as those used to protect your hearing on the range.