The LRAD devices used against protesters and the residents of Pittsburgh last month were a beta test for things to come. As reported by the Washington Times on October 1, the Department of Homeland Security is doling out federal money to get police departments around the country stocked up on the LRAD weapons.
“With the help of Homeland Security grants, police departments nationwide looking to subdue unruly crowds and political protesters are purchasing a high-tech device originally used by the military to repel battlefield insurgents and Somali pirates with piercing noise capable of damaging hearing,” write Jerry Seper and Chuck Neubauer.
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According to San Diego-based American Technology Corp., the company that makes the devices, LRADs are not weapons. American Technology insists LRADs are to be used in order to “influence the behavior and gain compliance” from people.
“It is designed to get people to do what police want. It makes them uncomfortable but does not hurt them,” he said Raymond DeMichiei, Pittsburgh’s deputy director of emergency management and homeland security.
In other words, as was the case in Pittsburgh, LRADs will be used prevent people from engaging in the First Amendment and the right to peacefully assembly and protest government policies.
American Technology stated in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing in September 2008 that the device is “capable of sufficient acoustic output to cause damage to human hearing or human health,” expressing concern that its misuse could lead to lawsuits. It is said the decibel range of the LRAD used in Pittsburgh was similar to standing next to an exploding IED.
“The association said that at 130 to 140 decibels, damage to the ear can be instantaneous, adding that the 145 to 151 range of the LRADS is ‘the kind of sound that can cause tinnitus and hearing damage immediately.’ Tinnitus is a condition that causes ringing in the ears, sometimes permanently,” the Times reports.
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