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{{Short description|AcousticHigh-powered hailing device, sound cannon and sonic weaponloudspeaker}}
{{redirect|LRAD|the dance qualification|Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance}}
{{use mdy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{use American English|date=February 2022}}
[[File:soundweapon1.jpg|thumb|right|An LRAD on top of a [[New York City Police Department|New York City police]] Hummervehicle]]
[[File:LRAD-US-Navy.jpg|thumb|LRAD operator wearing hearing protection]]
[[File:USS Donald Cook.jpg|thumb|LRAD on a [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]]navy ship]]
 
A '''long-range acoustic device''' ('''LRAD'''), '''acoustic hailing device''' (AHD) or '''sound cannon''' is a specialized [[loudspeaker]] that produces sound at high power for communicating at a distance. It has been used as a method of [[crowd control]], which has caused permanent hearing damage, having an extremely high [[decibel]] capacity (up to 160&nbsp;dB measured at one meter from the device).<ref name=g20lawsuit>{{cite web | title=CITY OF PITTSBURGH SETTLES G-20 LAWSUITS | website=ACLU Pennsylvania| date=14 November 2012 | url=https://www.aclupa.org/en/press-releases/city-pittsburgh-settles-g-20-lawsuits | access-date=11 May 2022}}</ref> Other uses have included for negotiations in [[siege]] situations; to deal with [[piracy]] at sea; for mass notification during [[natural disaster]]s or other emergencies; and by defense forces, including several [[navies]].
 
== Overview ==
 
Acoustic hailing devices are acoustic devices capable of outputting highly[[Intelligibility (communication)|intelligible]] sound at very high volumes. The distance at which acoustic hailing can be effective varies based on several factors including the sound level, directionality, and [[Audio frequency|frequency]] of the acoustic source, the sensitivity and directionality of the receiver, and the transmission channel environment. The sound level diminishes or attenuates with distance. Consequently, as a general rule, higher source levels have greater range.
Acoustic hailing devices can come in two forms;
# Directional models: These AHDs are characterized by their ability to create long-range, directional voice communications and warning tones. Their directionality is typically 5° to 60° radius conical at a 2[[KHz|&nbsp;kHz]] tone.
# Omnidirectional models: These acoustic hailing devices are capable of creating 360° voice communications and warning tones. These devices are capable of being heard over 1{{convert|2.5 miles4|km}} away from the emitter head.
 
=== Origin ===
The term ''acoustic hailing device'' came into common use following the [[suicide attack]] on the {{USS|Cole|DDG-67|6}} while it was at a port in [[Yemen]] in 2000. Following this attack, the [[United States Navy]] established a requirement for an acoustic hailing device. The intent of this AHD was to provide the Navy with a means to establish the intent of an approaching vessel at a distance such that defensive measures could be taken should the vessel not heed a warning. One unique aspect of this requirement was that the sound needed to be focused so that it could be clearly directed at the approaching vessel.
 
=== Present ===
Since their inception in 2002, acoustic hailing devices have grown into a variety of applications. AHD uses include checkpoints, [[crowd control]], [[Maritime transport|maritime shipping]], mass notification, [[Early warning system|early warning systems]], [[critical infrastructure protection]], military applications and wildlife protection and control. Acoustic hailing devices are now fielded all over the world by various commercial, law enforcement, and military groups.
 
==History==
In October 2000 the {{USS|Cole|DDG-67|6}}, an American [[guided missile destroyer]], was [[USS Cole bombing|bombed in a terroristan 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 be heard by the approaching boat at a sufficient distance to possibly avert the attack.<ref name=convfeb2022/> The ship was badly damaged, with 17 [[U.S. Navy]] sailors killed and 37 injured.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/browse-by-topic/ships/modern-ships/uss-cole-updated.html|title=USS Cole (DDG-67) Determined Warrior|publisher=Naval History & Heritage Command| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531150203/https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/browse-by-topic/ships/modern-ships/uss-cole-updated.html|archive-date=31 May 2019}}</ref>
 
Following this attack, navies around the world made several policy changes,<ref name=convfeb2022/> while the [[Genasys|American Technology Corporation]] (which was rebranded to LRAD Corporation in 2010 and to Genasys in late October 2019<ref name=jolt/>) 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.<ref name=genprodguide/> 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 {{cvtconvert|3,0003000|m}}, enabling them to respond appropriately in a timely manner and avert danger.<ref name=genmaritime>{{cite web | title=Maritime Community & Safety | website=Genasys Inc. | date=7 October 2020 | url=https://genasys.com/lrad-2/maritime/ | access-date=23 February 2022}}</ref>
 
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.<ref name=genprodguide/>
 
LRAD devices have become widely used for communications, and increasingly for [[crowd control]] in a range of settings, including civil disturbances and protests.<ref name=convfeb2022/>
 
== Characteristics and measurements ==
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=== Clarity ===
A principal weakness of common speaker systems and bullhorns is their clarity. Their horns and cones create sound that is distorted or out of phase. This results in the common "[[Charlie Brown]]" effect, where the message is muffled and misunderstood, analogous to the muted brass squawks representing the unintelligible voices of adults in animated ''[[Peanuts]]'' specials. AHDs create sound that is in phase. Because of this, sound emitted from acoustic hailing devices is intelligible at distance. Clarity is difficult to measure, since it is a subjective reference. However, different scales have been created to compare devices. A common measurement is the [[Speech Transmission Index]] (STI). STI ratings range from 0–1.0, with 1.0 being perfect clarity.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.meyersound.com/support/papers/speech/section4.htm |title=Speech Intelligibility Papers Section 4 |access-date=2010-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123020015/http://www.meyersound.com/support/papers/speech/section4.htm |archive-date=2011-01-23 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
 
=== Focus ===
AHDs are lastly characterized by directionality. To ensure messages are broadcast to the target, AHDs shape sound into a 30–60° audio beam. This shaping is accomplished through the design of the [[Transducer|transducers]] as well as various reflective horns.
The focus of an AHD is typically measured at the frequency of peak directionality. This is typically in the 1–2&nbsp;kHz range. Not all frequencies of sound are able to be directed equally. Lower frequencies in the bass range are difficult to form. As such, their directionality may be a 40 degree radius or more depending on the design of the AHD.
 
 
==Specifications and functionality==
LRAD devices are made by Genasys. {{as of|2022}}, the company producesclaims a range ofits LRAD products for mass notification systems. Touting its primary advantage of clarity and intelligibility of voice broadcasts over large distances, its product guide citesmeet the following featuresspecifications:<ref name=genprodguide>{{ cite web| url=https://apac.genasys.com/wp-content/uploads/LRAD-Product-Guide-Final-PRINT.pdf| title=LRAD overview and product guide|publisher= Genasys}}</ref>
* Controlled broadcast dispersion
* Audible broadcasts feature industry leading clarity and intelligibility
* 30° audible transmission ranges out to 5,000 meters
* 60–36060º–360° audible mass notification coverage over areas up to {{cvt|14| km2}}
 
LRAD productsdevices range frominclude hand-held devices, as well toas those mounted on [[helicopter]]s, motor vehicles and ships.<ref name=genprodguide/>
 
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&nbsp;kHz, and according to the LRAD data sheet, the beam angle of about 30 degrees total is what is predicted for a regular loudspeaker.<ref>Beranek, Leo L. 1986. Acoustics, p.132, [[American Institute of Physics]].</ref>{{update inline|date=February 2022}}
 
Small spherical "point-source" acoustic devices follow the known [[inverse square law]], which predicts the loss of 6 [[decibel]]s (dB) per doubling of distance from the source, solely due to [[geometric spreading]]. Large speakers (or large arrays), such as these, have an [[Interference (wave propagation)|interference]] pattern in the [[near and far field|nearfield]] which produces peaks 6&nbsp;dB higher than the output [[pressure]] and nulls where the pressure is essentially zero.<ref name="Blackstock, David T 2000. p.456">Blackstock, David T. 2000. Fundamentals of Physical Acoustics, p.456, [[John Wiley and Sons]].</ref> The larger the speaker, and the higher the frequency, the longer the effective nearfield. The nearfield for this device is approximately {{convert|8|m}}.<ref name="Blackstock, David T 2000. p.456"/> An LRAD can thus emit a targeted "beam" of sound at very high volume, up to 160&nbsp;dB at one meter from the device. This is louder than standing behind a [[jet engine]] taking off, or a nearby [[gunshot]].<ref name=convfeb2022/>
 
==Use==
Following the impetus for its initial development, 25 navies have adopted the use of LRADs {{as of|2022|lc=yes}}, to provide protection for their vessels. Navy personnel can contact approaching vessels from over {{cvt|3,000|m}} and respond defensively if necessary. They are also used by [[coast guard]]s, [[naval base]]s, commercial vessels, and in ports.<ref name=genmaritime/>
 
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.<ref>{{cite web | title=LRAD Solutions | website=Genasys Inc. | url=https://genasys.com/lrad-solutions/ | access-date=23 February 2022}}</ref> {{as of|2022}} its products are in use in 100 countries. On theThe Asia-Pacific website is focused on [[emergency management]] during [[natural disaster]]s such as [[bushfire]]s.<ref name=apac>{{cite web | title=The Critical Communications Company | website=Genasys APAC | url=https://apac.genasys.com/ | access-date=23 February 2022}}</ref> It is not categorized as a defense item, and does not require an export license.<ref name=sindelar/>
 
The technology can also be used to deter wildlife from [[airport runway]]s, as at [[Changi Airport]] in [[Singapore]],<ref>{{cite web | last=Tan | first=Yvette | title=Lasers and giant speakers: How airports chase birds off the runway | website=Mashable | date=29 October 2021 | url=https://mashable.com/article/runway-machines-birds | access-date=23 February 2022}}</ref> and to protect [[Oil platform|gas and oil platforms]] from [[Fishing vessel|fishing boats]], birds and security threats.<ref>{{cite web | last=Wickman | first=Allie | title=LRAD Corporation Receives LRAD-RX Systems Order to Remotely Secure Oil Platforms | website=Benzinga | date=23 August 2011 | url=https://www.benzinga.com/news/11/08/1876780/lrad-corporation-receives-lrad-rx-systems-order-to-remotely-secure-oil-platforms | access-date=23 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Oil & Gas Platforms | website=Genasys Inc. | url=https://genasys.com/proven_performance/oil-gas-platforms/ | access-date=23 February 2022}}</ref>
 
There are two basic ways of using LRAD devices: for voice amplification and as an alert. The technology used in "[[siren (alarm)|siren]] mode" (called an "alert tone" by Genasys<ref name=genprodguide/>), 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.<ref name=convfeb2022/> Although sometimes referred to as an [[Active Denial System]],<ref name=jolt/> 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]].<ref name=convfeb2022/>
 
== Risks ==
Acoustic hailing devices have the potential to be used as [[non-lethal weapons]]. The human [[ear]] can typically stand a sound pressure level of 120&nbsp;dB before feeling pain. AHDs are capable of 135&nbsp;dB or more of acoustic energy. The [[Occupational Safety and Health Administration|OSHA]] states that any sound pressure level over 90&nbsp;dB requires hearing protection.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=standards&p_id=9735|title = 1910.95 - Occupational noise exposure. &#124; Occupational Safety and Health Administration}}</ref> As volume increases so does the chance of hearing loss. The effective non-lethal range of an AHD depends on the total acoustic output of the unit. Typically, this range is {{convert|50 meters|m}} or less.
 
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.<ref name=jolt/> These sounds have been reported to cause pain and hearing damage.<ref name="Bondy2019">{{cite news |last1=Bondy |first1=Halley |title=How the LRAD Went From a Pirate Deterrent to a Police Crowd-Control Tool |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/how-the-lrad-went-from-a-pirate-deterrent-to-a-police-crowd-control-tool?ref=scroll |access-date=7 June 2020 |agency=The Daily Beast |date=30 September 2019}}</ref> The use of the alert function for crowd control has been described as a "sound cannon" or [[sonic weapon]],<ref name="Kesslen2019"/> although this 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,<ref name=sindelar>{{cite web | last=Sindelar | first=Daisy | title=Explainer: LRAD -- What Is It And How Does It Work? | website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty | date=13 March 2013 | url=https://www.rferl.org/a/explainer-lrad-sound-cannon/24927845.html | access-date=23 February 2022}}</ref> 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.<ref name=jolt>{{cite web | title=LRAD: The Sound of Possible Excessive Force | website=Richmond Journal of Law and Technology | date=30 November 2019 | url=https://jolt.richmond.edu/2019/11/30/lrad-the-sound-of-possible-excessive-force/ | access-date=23 February 2022}}</ref>
 
Law enforcement organizations and the manufacturer claim that LRAD systems are primarily designed for long-range communications;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lradx.com/application/ |title=Long Range Acoustic Device Industry Applications - Public Safety & Security Solution |website=Lradx.com |access-date=26 June 2019}}</ref> however, the device has an extremely high [[decibel]] capacity and has been controversially used as a [[less-lethal]] weapon for crowd control.<ref name=audiologist>{{cite web |title=Crowd Control with Long Range Acoustic Devices Can Cause Permanent Hearing Loss |url=https://www.audiologist.org/item/crowd-control-with-long-range-acoustic-devices-can-cause-permanent-hearing-loss |website=Academy of Doctors of Audiology |access-date=13 September 2021}}</ref> Police usually use models that are not quite as powerful as the military-grade version; however, generating levels ranging from 137&nbsp;dB to 154&nbsp;dB, they are capable of causing pain, disorientation, [[nausea]], [[migraine]]s, and permanent damage.<ref name=jolt/>
 
The [[NYPD]]'s LRAD use was to be challenged in [[US federal court]] in 2020.<ref name="Bondy2019" /><ref name="Kesslen2019">{{cite news |last1=Kesslen |first1=Ben |title=Plug your ears and run|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/plug-your-ears-run-nypd-s-use-sound-cannons-challenged-n1008916 |access-date=7 June 2020 |agency=NBC News |date=22 May 2019}}</ref> Due to potential risks and a lack of studies on the health impact of sonic weapons, the [[American Civil Liberties Union]] recommended in a fact sheet that their use in protests be suspended.<ref name="ACLUFactSheet">{{cite web |title=Acoustic Weapons Fact Sheet |url=https://www.aclu.org/fact-sheet/acoustic-weapons-fact-sheet|date=14 July 2016<!--embedded in PDF-->|website=ACLU}}</ref>
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=== Germany ===
inIn the first half of 2020, Bad Homburg's fire brigade and city police used an LRAD 100X system more than 60 times to deliver COVID-19 information.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.feuerwehrmagazin.de/dm-native-advert/lrad-100x-flexibel-kraftvoll-und-hoechste-verstaendlichkeit|title=LRAD 100X, flexibel, kraftvoll und höchste Verständlichkeit|author=FM-Mediaservice|date=6 November 2020|website=feuerwehrmagazin.de}}</ref>
 
=== Greece ===
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===New Zealand===
During the dispersion of New Zealand's parliament protest in March 2022, LRAD were used by New Zealand police against the protesters. A document released under the Official Information Act (OIA), revealed two long range acoustic devices (LRADs) were deployed at the Parliament protest on March 2.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/revealed-police-used-sound-cannons-against-parliament-protesters/PIBFZEHRIOEADS7SK4Y4SWM464/|title=Revealed: Police used sound cannons against Parliament protesters|author=New Zealand Herald|date=29 June 2022|website=nzherald.co.nz[[The New Zealand Herald]]}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/sound-cannons-deployed-first-time|title=Sound cannons deployed for first time|author=Otago Daily Times|date=29 June 2022|website=odt.co.nz[[Otago Daily Times]]}}</ref>
 
===Poland===
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[[File:Long Range Acoustic Device 500X in New York City.jpg|thumb|An NYPD officer stands ready with the LRAD 500X at an [[Occupy Wall Street]] protest on November 17, 2011, near the city hall.]]
 
<!-- New York -->An LRAD was present, but not used, during [[2004 Republican National Convention protest activity|protests]] of the [[2004 Republican National Convention]] in [[New York City]].<ref>[https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=99472&page=1 ABC News. Technology & Science. August 25, 2004. Amanda Onion. ''RNC to Feature Unusual Forms of Sound: Unusual Forms of Sound to Emanate From RNC'']</ref>{{citation needed|reason=Micah White, founder of Occupy, claims that LRAD *was* used, in his book, The End of Protest|date=May 2016}} LRAD was present and used when the New York City Police department raided and destroyed the [[Occupy Wall Street]] encampment from [[Zuccotti Park]] to disrupt and disperse the crowd before arresting or ejecting them on the morning of 15 November 2011.<ref name="nycoccupy">{{cite news |date=18 November 2011 |title=Occupy Wall Street: Police use military megaphone to amplify their point to protesters |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/occupy-wall-street-police-military-megaphone-amplify-point-protesters-article-1.979585 |access-date=15 February 2015 |work=[[Daily News (New York)|New York Daily News]] |location=New York}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Whalen |first1=Matthew Vernon |title=A People's Librarian (Part Two) with Aeliana Boyer |url=https://hardtimesreview.com/2021/08/02/a-peoples-librarian-part-two-with-aeliana-boyer/ |access-date=15 April 2022 |website=The Hard Times Review |publisher=Hard Times Review}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Video: NYPD Uses Military-Grade Sonic Weapon on Eric Garner Protesters |url=http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/video-nypd-uses-military-grade-sonic-weapon-eric-garner-protesters |website=Alternet.org}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ996JYzFME |title=NYPD LRAD warning message for protesters 4.29.15 |date=29 April 2015 |publisher=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/IQ996JYzFME |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Rochester NY police used verbal warnings and an LRAD to help disperse disorderly crowds during the August 2019 Puerto Rican Festival.<ref>{{cite web |author=WROC Staff |date=19 August 2019 |title=Dozens arrested after Puerto Rican Festival |url=https://www.rochesterfirst.com/news/local-news/dozens-arrested-after-puerto-rican-festival/ |website=RochesterFirst.com}}</ref> 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 Rochester city hall.<ref>{{cite web |title=Police use 'sound cannon' at Rochester protest; RPD says officers were hit with bottles, eggs |url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2020/09/12/protests-rochester-ny-daniel-prude-11-straight-days-free-the-people-roc/5782445002/ |website=DemocratandChronicle.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Protesters arrested outside Rochester City Hall as police break up occupation |url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2020/09/16/rochester-ny-protest-blm-daniel-prude-demonstrations-september-16/5814241002/ |website=DemocratandChronicle.com}}</ref>
An LRAD was present, but not used, during [[2004 Republican National Convention protest activity|protests]] of the [[2004 Republican National Convention]] in [[New York City]].<ref>[https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=99472&page=1 ABC News. Technology & Science. August 25, 2004. Amanda Onion. ''RNC to Feature Unusual Forms of Sound: Unusual Forms of Sound to Emanate From RNC'']</ref>{{citation needed|reason=Micah White, founder of Occupy, claims that LRAD *was* used, in his book, The End of Protest|date=May 2016}}
 
<!-- Washington D.C. -->The [[Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia|Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department]] used a LRAD at the January 21, [[2017 Women's March]].<ref>{{cite web |date=20 November 2017 |title=Records show D.C. Police used an LRAD sound cannon to "direct crowd flow" during the Women's March |url=https://www.muckrock.com/news/archives/2017/nov/20/dc-lrad/ |website=Muckrock.com}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |author=Savannah Behrmann |date=September 17, 2020 |title=National Guard major: Military police asked about using 'heat ray' against DC protesters |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/09/17/military-police-heat-ray-against-d-c-protesters-congressional-letter/3476175001/ |website=usatoday.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Protesters Were Supposed To Hear Warnings Before Federal Police Moved In. They Didn't |url=https://www.npr.org/2020/09/11/911912921/protesters-were-supposed-to-hear-warnings-before-federal-police-moved-in-they-di |website=NPR}}</ref> 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 [[George Floyd protests in Washington, D.C.|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.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 17, 2020 |title=US military police 'sought use of heat ray' to disperse White House protesters |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/17/us-military-police-heat-ray-blm-protesters-white-house-protesters |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>
LRADs were used by the Pittsburgh PD during protests at the G20 Summit in September 2009. This was the first time the LRAD was used during a protest in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/25/us/25pittsburgh.html |title=Protesters Are Met by Tear Gas at G-20 Conference |first=Ian |last=Urbina |date=24 September 2009 |access-date=26 June 2019 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/thetwos#play/uploads/7/0SwBU1DOO_Q |title=thetwos |publisher=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>▼
 
<!-- California -->LRAD was reportedly used<ref>{{cite news |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=25 October 2011 |title=Occupy Oakland's Tent City Is Gone |url=http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2011/10/occupy-oaklands-tent-city-gone/44092/ |access-date=26 October 2011 |newspaper=[[The Atlantic Wire]] |date=25 October 2011}}</ref> by the Oakland Police Department during the clearance of the [[Occupy Oakland]] encampment on the morning of 25 October 2011. Police in San Diego, California, used an LRAD on May 27, 2016, to order anti-Trump protesters to disperse.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 May 2016 |title=Police order anti Trump protesters to disperse |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpPdZUeaCok |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/IpPdZUeaCok |archive-date=2021-12-21 |publisher=[[Breitbart News]] |via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> 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 would aid in searches for missing persons, most often hunters and mushroom pickers, which cost the county tens of thousands of dollars. He said the LRAD might have made the intense 2011 manhunt for Aaron Bassler a little easier, and that it could be used to warn of a tsunami. MCSO found LRAD useful out of a low-flying plane, and it could help in a barricaded-person situation to communicate from the outside of the building.<ref>{{cite news |author=Ashley Tressel |date=18 April 2017 |title=New loudspeaker ensures MCSO will be heard loud and clear |url=http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/general-news/20170418/new-loudspeaker-ensures-mcso-will-be-heard-loud-and-clear/ |newspaper=[[Ukiah Daily Journal]]}}</ref>
 
<!-- North Carolina -->The Greensboro, North Carolina Police Department (GPD) purchased an LRAD 300X and demonstrated it for reporters in November 2015. Jonathan Franks, a GPD captain, said that it could be used for alerts for everything from riots to missing children to weather disasters, and that it could save lives in some cases.<ref>{{cite web |author=Benjamin F. Powell |date=5 November 2015 |title=GDP: New Long Range Audio Technology Could Save Lives |url=http://www.wfmynews2.com/story/news/2015/11/05/gpd-new-long-range-audio-technology-could-save-lives/75247202/ |website=Wfmynews2.com}}</ref> The Charlotte-Mecklenburg, North Carolina Police Department Crisis Intervention Team and SWAT negotiators used a long-range acoustic device to talk a man down from an energized electrical tower.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-09 |title=CMPD Negotiators Helped Individual Who Climbed Electrical Tower |url=https://charlottenc.gov/newsroom/releases/Pages/--CMPD-Negotiators-Helped-Induvial-Who-Climbed-Electrical-Tower----Charlotte,-N-C--%E2%80%93-(Sunday,-January-9,-2021)-%E2%80%93-Officers-w.aspx |access-date=2022-01-09 |website=charlottenc.gov |language=en}}</ref>▼
LRAD was present and used when the New York City Police department raided and destroyed the [[Occupy Wall Street]] encampment from [[Zuccotti Park]] to disrupt and disperse the crowd before arresting or ejecting them on the morning of 15 November 2011.<ref name=nycoccupy>{{cite news |title=Occupy Wall Street: Police use military megaphone to amplify their point to protesters |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/occupy-wall-street-police-military-megaphone-amplify-point-protesters-article-1.979585 |work=[[Daily News (New York)|New York Daily News]] |location=New York |date=18 November 2011 |access-date=15 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Whalen |first1=Matthew Vernon |title=A People's Librarian (Part Two) with Aeliana Boyer |url=https://hardtimesreview.com/2021/08/02/a-peoples-librarian-part-two-with-aeliana-boyer/ |website=The Hard Times Review |publisher=Hard Times Review |access-date=15 April 2022}}</ref>
 
<!-- Arizona -->The Phoenix, Arizona city council approved the purchase of two LRAD 500X systems in November 2018 "to give clear and concise messages to groups of people whenever we find it necessary".<ref>{{cite web |date=10 November 201 |title=Phoenix police pick up approval, $95K for long-range, crowd-control speakers |url=http://ktar.com/story/2300357/phoenix-police-pick-up-approval-95k-for-long-range-crowd-control-speakers/ |website=Ktar.com}}</ref> Police utilized a Long Range Acoustic device to declare an unlawful assembly in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, on May 28, 2020, during the [[George Floyd protests]]. Multiple announcements were made in English and Spanish.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 29, 2020 |title=Protest in Phoenix over death of George Floyd ends in arrests, property damage |url=https://yourvalley.net/stories/protest-phoenix-over-death-man-minnesota-ends-arrests-property-damage,161847 |website=YourValley.net}}</ref>
LRAD was deployed during a march against [[NATO]]'s actions and policies in Chicago on May 20, 2012, at Michigan Ave. & Cermack.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/nato-chicago-2012-151998815.html |title=As it Happens: NATO in Chicago |publisher=NBC Chicago|date=15 June 2012}}</ref>▼
 
<!-- Maryland -->The Salisbury, Maryland Police Department acquired an LRAD in October 2013 with proceeds from their speed cameras.<ref>{{cite web |author=Bill Mich |date=8 October 2013 |title=Salisbury Police Utilizing New LRAD System |url=http://www.wboc.com/story/23639955/salisbury-police-utlizing-new-lrad-system |titlewebsite=SalisburyWboc.com}}</ref> On February 17, 2017, the Princess Anne Police UtilizingDepartment Newdeployed its LRAD Systemsystem at the request of the Maryland State Police to disperse an unruly concert crowd on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.<ref>{{cite web |author=BillHenry Culvyhouse Mich|date=817 OctoberFebruary 2017 |title=UMES concert canceled due to unruly crowd |url=http://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2017/02/17/fight-cancels-concert/98052744/ 2013|website=WbocDelmarvanow.com}}</ref>
 
<!-- Ohio -->The [[Columbus Division of Police|Columbus, Ohio 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.<ref>{{cite web |author=Ted Hart |date=21 November 2016 |title=CPD demonstrates new crowd control device |url=http://nbc4i.com/2016/11/21/cpd-demonstrates-new-crowd-control-device/ |website=Nbc4i.com}}</ref> 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, Ohio.<ref>{{cite web |author=Julia Tullos |date=September 22, 2020 |title=Cuyahoga County Sheriff makes changes after May 30 riot in Downtown Cleveland |url=https://www.cleveland19.com/2020/09/22/cuyahoga-county-sheriff-makes-changes-after-may-riot-downtown-cleveland/ |website=Cleveland19.com}}</ref>
St. Louis County police used LRAD during protests surrounding the [[Shooting of Michael Brown|police shooting of Michael Brown]] in [[Ferguson, Missouri]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/st-louis-alderman-says-police-pulled-him-out-of-car/article_0806541b-ed48-5d06-9267-323531ad6cf1.html|title=DAY FIVE WRAPUP: McCulloch blasts Nixon for replacing St. Louis County Police control|date=August 14, 2014|periodical=St. Louis Post-Dispatch}}</ref>▼
 
<!-- Washington state -->The [[Seattle Police Department]] in Washington purchased an LRAD in response to claims that it did not adequately communicate orders to demonstrators during the summer 2020 protests.<ref>https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/OPA/ManagementAction/2020OPA-0741_2021COMP-0032_MAR_06-09-21.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite report |url=https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/OPA/ClosedCaseSummaries/2020OPA-0741ccs053121.pdf |title=Closed Case Summary: Allegations of Misconduct & Director's Findings |last=MYERBERG |first=ANDREW |lastdate=MYERBERG31 May 2021 |publisher=Seattle Office of Police Accountability |id=2020OPA-0741}}</ref> After receiving feedback from protesters who said commands from on-scene officers were not clear or loud enough, the Seattle, Washington mayor's office recommended purchasing an LRAD.<ref>{{cite web |author=Jonathan Choe |date=31November May5, 20212020 |title=Use of LRAD speaker by Seattle police for crowd control spurs questions, concern |url=https://komonews.com/news/local/new-non-lethal-crowd-control-tool-seen-at-seattle-protest |website=komonews.com/}}</ref>▼
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/video-nypd-uses-military-grade-sonic-weapon-eric-garner-protesters|title=Video: NYPD Uses Military-Grade Sonic Weapon on Eric Garner Protesters|website=Alternet.org}}</ref>
 
▲LRADs were used by the Pittsburgh PD in Pennsylvania during protests at the G20 Summit in September 2009. This was the first time the LRAD was used during a protest in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/25/us/25pittsburgh.html |title=Protesters Are Met by Tear Gas at G-20 Conference |first=Ian |last=Urbina |date=24 September 2009 |access-date=26 June 2019 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/thetwos#play/uploads/7/0SwBU1DOO_Q |title=thetwos |publisher=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
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."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.myhorrynews.com/news/crime/bikefest/article_52ebdf98-ce44-11e4-858a-578602e5b8cc.html|title=Myrtle Beach police going high-tech for Bikefest|author=Tom O'Dare|date=19 March 2015|website=Myhorrynews.com}}</ref>
 
▲LRAD was deployed during a march against [[NATO]]'s actions and policies in Chicago, Illinois on May 20, 2012, at Michigan Ave. & Cermack.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/nato-chicago-2012-151998815.html |title=As it Happens: NATO in Chicago |publisher=NBC Chicago|date=15 June 2012}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ996JYzFME |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/IQ996JYzFME |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=NYPD LRAD warning message for protesters 4.29.15|date=29 April 2015|publisher=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
 
▲St. Louis County police used LRAD during protests surrounding the [[Shooting of Michael Brown|police shooting of Michael Brown]] in [[Ferguson, Missouri]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/st-louis-alderman-says-police-pulled-him-out-of-car/article_0806541b-ed48-5d06-9267-323531ad6cf1.html|title=DAY FIVE WRAPUP: McCulloch blasts Nixon for replacing St. Louis County Police control|date=August 14, 2014|periodical=St. Louis Post-Dispatch}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2015/06/police-deploy-tear-gas-on-crowds-outside-hot-97-summer-jam|title=Police Deploy Tear Gas on Crowds Outside of Hot 97's Summer Jam - Complex|author=Justin Davis|website=Complex.com}}</ref>▼
 
TheMyrtle GreensboroBeach, NorthSouth Carolina Policepolice Departmentobtained (GPD) purchased antwo LRAD 300Xsystems andthrough demonstrateda it forfederal reportersgrant in NovemberMarch 2015. JonathanMyrtle Franks,Beach a GPDpolice captain, saidMarty thatBrown ittold couldthe beMyrtle usedBeach forcity alertscouncil forthat everything"his fromdepartment riotsis togetting missingthe childrenLRADs to weatherenhance disasters,their andcommunication thatcapabilities be it couldwith savelarge livescrowds inor somefor casesemergency announcements such as evacuation orders."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wfmynews2myhorrynews.com/story/news/2015crime/11bikefest/05/gpdarticle_52ebdf98-newce44-long11e4-range858a-audio-technology-could-save-lives/75247202/578602e5b8cc.html|title=GDP:Myrtle NewBeach Longpolice Rangegoing Audiohigh-tech Technologyfor Could Save LivesBikefest|author=Benjamin F.Tom PowellO'Dare|date=519 NovemberMarch 2015|website=Wfmynews2Myhorrynews.com}}</ref>
 
▲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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2015/06/police-deploy-tear-gas-on-crowds-outside-hot-97-summer-jam|title=Police Deploy Tear Gas on Crowds Outside of Hot 97's Summer Jam - Complex|author=Justin Davis|website=Complex.com}}</ref>
Police in San Diego, California, used an LRAD on May 27, 2016, to order anti-Trump protesters to disperse.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpPdZUeaCok |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/IpPdZUeaCok|date=28 May 2016 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Police order anti Trump protesters to disperse|publisher=[[Breitbart News]]|via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
 
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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Enzinna|first=Wes|title=I Witnessed Cops Using Tear Gas, Rubber Bullets, and Sound Cannons Against Anti-Pipeline Protesters| url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/10/standing-rock-protests-pipeline-police-tasers-teargas|website=Motherjones|date=31 October 2016}}</ref> An LRAD was present again on November 20, 2016, at the bridge just north of the protesters camp on highway 1806.{{citation needed|date=November 2016}}
 
The [[Columbus Division of Police|Columbus, Ohio 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nbc4i.com/2016/11/21/cpd-demonstrates-new-crowd-control-device/|title=CPD demonstrates new crowd control device|author=Ted Hart|date=21 November 2016|website=Nbc4i.com}}</ref>
 
The [[Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia|Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department]] used a LRAD at the January 21, [[2017 Women's March]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.muckrock.com/news/archives/2017/nov/20/dc-lrad/|title=Records show D.C. Police used an LRAD sound cannon to "direct crowd flow" during the Women's March|website=Muckrock.com|date=20 November 2017}}</ref>
 
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2017/02/17/fight-cancels-concert/98052744/|title=UMES concert canceled due to unruly crowd|author=Henry Culvyhouse|date=17 February 2017|website=Delmarvanow.com}}</ref>
 
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 would aid in searches for missing persons, most often hunters and mushroom pickers, which cost the county tens of thousands of dollars. He said the LRAD might have made the intense 2011 manhunt for Aaron Bassler a little easier, and that it could be used to warn of a tsunami. MCSO found LRAD useful out of a low-flying plane, and it could help in a barricaded-person situation to communicate from the outside of the building.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/general-news/20170418/new-loudspeaker-ensures-mcso-will-be-heard-loud-and-clear/|title=New loudspeaker ensures MCSO will be heard loud and clear|author=Ashley Tressel|date=18 April 2017|newspaper=[[Ukiah Daily Journal]]}}</ref>
 
The Phoenix, Arizona city council approved the purchase of two LRAD 500X systems in November 2018 "to give clear and concise messages to groups of people whenever we find it necessary".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ktar.com/story/2300357/phoenix-police-pick-up-approval-95k-for-long-range-crowd-control-speakers/|title=Phoenix police pick up approval, $95K for long-range, crowd-control speakers|date=10 November 201|website=Ktar.com}}</ref>
 
Rochester NY police used verbal warnings and an LRAD to help disperse disorderly crowds during the August 2019 Puerto Rican Festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rochesterfirst.com/news/local-news/dozens-arrested-after-puerto-rican-festival/|title=Dozens arrested after Puerto Rican Festival|author=WROC Staff|date=19 August 2019|website=RochesterFirst.com}}</ref>
 
Police utilized a Long Range Acoustic device to declare an unlawful assembly in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, on May 28, 2020, during the [[George Floyd protests]]. Multiple announcements were made in English and Spanish.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://yourvalley.net/stories/protest-phoenix-over-death-man-minnesota-ends-arrests-property-damage,161847|title=Protest in Phoenix over death of George Floyd ends in arrests, property damage | website=YourValley.net|date=May 29, 2020 }}</ref>
 
During the same period, the LRAD was used at a protest in front of the Arkansas State Capitol.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/lenarazzak/status/1268650920914620420|title=Video of protest with LRAD use|website=Twitter.com|access-date=4 June 2020}}</ref>
 
The [[Portland Police Bureau]] in Oregon used a vehicle-mounted LRAD during the [[George Floyd protests in Portland, Oregon|protests there]] following the [[murder of George Floyd]] on June 4, 2020, and on other occasions during the protests.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2020/06/portland-mayor-ted-wheeler-to-hold-news-conference-addressing-continued-protests-watch-live.html|title=Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler holding news conference about continued protests: Watch live|date=5 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Police Use Acoustic Device On Crowd |url=https://1190kex.iheart.com/content/2020-06-05-police-use-acoustic-device-on-crowd/?mid=410282&rid=61729961&sc=email&pname=newsletter&cid=kex-am&keyid=Local%20iHeart%20Daily%20(NewsTalk)&campid=headline1_readmore |website=1190 KEX Radio |publisher=iHeart Media |access-date=6 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/what-is-lrad-ppb-explain-their-sonic-tone-device/|title=What is LRAD? PPB explain their 'sonic tone' device/ |website=KOIN.com|date=6 June 2020 }}</ref>
 
A [[Lenco BearCat|BearCat]]-mounted LRAD was used to emit voice messages and high-pitched sirens in [[Kenosha, Wisconsin|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]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Elijah|first=Koerri|date=August 24, 2020|title=Livestream of 24 August 2020 Jacob Blake Protests|url=https://www.facebook.com/KoerriElijah/videos/2771052506516169|access-date=August 25, 2020|website=Facebook|at=Timestamp 2:06:56}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=August 24, 2020|title=Scenes from Kenosha after shooting of Jacob Blake|url=https://www.facebook.com/7938522410/videos/1093022157761632/|access-date=August 25, 2020|website=Facebook|at=Timestamp 0:37:55}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Julio_Rosas11/status/1298461448730021888?s=20|title=Kenosha Courthouse Protest|website=Twitter.com|access-date=26 August 2020}}</ref>▼
▲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.<ref>https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/OPA/ManagementAction/2020OPA-0741_2021COMP-0032_MAR_06-09-21.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite report|url=https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/OPA/ClosedCaseSummaries/2020OPA-0741ccs053121.pdf|title=Closed Case Summary: Allegations of Misconduct & Director's Findings|first=ANDREW|last=MYERBERG|publisher=Seattle Office of Police Accountability|id=2020OPA-0741|date=31 May 2021}}</ref>
 
▲A [[Lenco BearCat|BearCat]]-mounted LRAD was used to emit voice messages and high-pitched sirens in [[Kenosha, Wisconsin|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]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Elijah|first=Koerri|date=August 24, 2020|title=Livestream of 24 August 2020 Jacob Blake Protests|url=https://www.facebook.com/KoerriElijah/videos/2771052506516169|access-date=August 25, 2020|website=Facebook|at=Timestamp 2:06:56}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=August 24, 2020|title=Scenes from Kenosha after shooting of Jacob Blake|url=https://www.facebook.com/7938522410/videos/1093022157761632/|access-date=August 25, 2020|website=Facebook|at=Timestamp 0:37:55}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Julio_Rosas11/status/1298461448730021888?s=20|title=Kenosha Courthouse Protest|website=Twitter.com|access-date=26 August 2020}}</ref>
 
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 Rochester city hall.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2020/09/12/protests-rochester-ny-daniel-prude-11-straight-days-free-the-people-roc/5782445002/|title=Police use 'sound cannon' at Rochester protest; RPD says officers were hit with bottles, eggs|website=DemocratandChronicle.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2020/09/16/rochester-ny-protest-blm-daniel-prude-demonstrations-september-16/5814241002/|title=Protesters arrested outside Rochester City Hall as police break up occupation|website=DemocratandChronicle.com}}</ref>
 
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 [[George Floyd protests in Washington, D.C.|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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/17/us-military-police-heat-ray-blm-protesters-white-house-protesters|work=[[The Guardian]]|title=US military police 'sought use of heat ray' to disperse White House protesters|date=September 17, 2020}}</ref>
 
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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/09/17/military-police-heat-ray-against-d-c-protesters-congressional-letter/3476175001/|title=National Guard major: Military police asked about using 'heat ray' against DC protesters|author=Savannah Behrmann|website=usatoday.com|date=September 17, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/09/11/911912921/protesters-were-supposed-to-hear-warnings-before-federal-police-moved-in-they-di|title=Protesters Were Supposed To Hear Warnings Before Federal Police Moved In. They Didn't|website=NPR}}</ref>
 
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cleveland19.com/2020/09/22/cuyahoga-county-sheriff-makes-changes-after-may-riot-downtown-cleveland/|title=Cuyahoga County Sheriff makes changes after May 30 riot in Downtown Cleveland |author=Julia Tullos|website=Cleveland19.com |date=September 22, 2020}}</ref>
 
After receiving feedback 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://komonews.com/news/local/new-non-lethal-crowd-control-tool-seen-at-seattle-protest|title=Use of LRAD speaker by Seattle police for crowd control spurs questions, concern |author=Jonathan Choe|website=komonews.com/ |date=November 5, 2020}}</ref>
 
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.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://bouldercolorado.gov/police/university-hill-disturbance-update|title=University Hill Disturbance Update |publisher=Boulder Police Department}}</ref>
 
On April 12, 2021, the Brooklyn Center, MNMinnesota 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mehabe.com/2021/04/13/just-in-long-range-acoustic-device-lrad-deployed-in-front-of-blm-crowd-at-brooklyn-center-mn/|title=Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) deployed in front of #BLM crowd at Brooklyn Center, MN |date=13 April 2021 |publisher=mehabe.com/}}</ref>
 
On July 3, 2021, Massachusetts State Police utilized an LRAD to secure a group{{Clarify|date=July 2022|reason=how?}} 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.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-13|title=Wakefield police used sonic blast, a high-pitch alarm, to incapacitate Rise of the Moors suspects|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2021/07/wakefield-police-used-sonic-blast-a-high-pitch-alarm-to-temporarily-disable-armed-rise-of-the-moors-suspects-chief-says.html|access-date=2021-07-13|website=masslive|language=en}}</ref>
 
The Oklahoma County, Oklahoma 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.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-11-23|title=Oklahoma neighborhood left dazed after early morning drug raid ends in multiple arrests|url=https://kfor.com/news/local/oklahoma-neighborhood-left-dazed-after-early-morning-drug-raid-ends-in-multiple-arrests/|access-date=2021-07-13|website=kfor|language=en}}</ref>
 
▲The Charlotte-Mecklenburg, North Carolina Police Department Crisis Intervention Team and SWAT negotiators used a long-range acoustic device to talk a man down from an energized electrical tower.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-01-09|title=CMPD Negotiators Helped Individual Who Climbed Electrical Tower |url=https://charlottenc.gov/newsroom/releases/Pages/--CMPD-Negotiators-Helped-Induvial-Who-Climbed-Electrical-Tower----Charlotte,-N-C--%E2%80%93-(Sunday,-January-9,-2021)-%E2%80%93-Officers-w.aspx|access-date=2022-01-09|website=charlottenc.gov|language=en}}</ref>
 
==Mass notification==
Line 223 ⟶ 191:
==High seas anti-piracy==
[[File:LRAD.JPG|thumb|right|LRAD on {{RMS|Queen Mary 2}}]]
On November 5, 2005, the luxury cruise ship ''[[Seabourn Spirit]]'' employed an LRAD to repel [[pirate]]s who attacked the vessel with [[rocket-propelled grenade]]s about {{convert|115&nbsp;|km}} off the coast of [[Somalia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6664677.stm|title=I beat pirates with a hose and sonic cannon |date=May 17, 2007|website=BBC News}}</ref> 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-flagged 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 rifle]]s 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article5253731.ece |title=Login |website=Timesonline.co.uk}}</ref> The incident caused the usefulness of LRADs to be called into question by ''[[Lloyd's List]]''.<ref name=LL120208>David Osler, (2 December 2008). [http://www.lloydslist.com/ll/sector/piracy-and-security/article48918.ece "Sonic solution may not be a sound investment"], ''Lloyd's List''. London: Informa. Retrieved 13 April 2011.</ref> The security detachment's reported use of LRAD is not completely clear as ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' makes no mention of LRAD being used during the incident.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123335651246634995|title=Hijacked on the High Seas|author=Geeta Anand and John W. Miller|date=31 January 2009|website=wsj.com}}</ref>
 
In January 2011, the ''[[Spirit of Adventure (ship)|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.<ref name=Sloan2011>{{cite news |url=http://travel.usatoday.com/cruises/post/2011/01/pirate-cruise-ship-spirit-adventure-indian-ocean-saga/138838/1 |last=Sloan |first=Gene |title=Cruise ship blasted pirates with sonic wave |work=USA Today |date=January 17, 2011 |access-date=July 17, 2011}}</ref>
 
S/Y Hideaway used an LRAD in 2016 to deter suspected pirates in the [[Gulf of Aden]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/bc289e2b#/bc289e2b/55|title=Standoff|author=William Bruton|date=February 2017|website=Dockwalk.com}}</ref>
 
==Major users==
Line 237 ⟶ 205:
* {{flag|Brazil}}
* {{flag|Canada}}: Multiple police departments<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/montreal/201405/22/01-4768807-la-police-de-montreal-se-dote-de-canons-a-son.php|title=La police de Montréal se dote de canons à son|work=La Presse|date=22 May 2014 |last1=Sioui |first1=Marie-Michèle }}</ref>
* {{flag|China}}: [[China Coast Guard]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/09/23/ph-slams-chinese-water-cannon-lrad-attacks-on-bfar-vessels|title=PH slams Chinese water cannon, LRAD attacks on BFAR vessels|date=Dec 9, 2023}}</ref>
* {{flag|Czech Republic}}: Used first time on March 18, 2017, by the [[Police of the Czech Republic]]<ref>[http://www.denik.cz/z_domova/premiera-akusticke-zbrane-v-opave-sef-policie-odvedli-jsme-excelentni-praci-20170319.html Premiéra akustické zbraně v Opavě. Šéf policie: Odvedli jsme excelentní práci], Deník.cz (in Czech), March 19, 2017</ref>
* {{flag|Georgia}}
* {{Flag|Greece}}
* {{flag|Honduras}}
* {{flag|Hong Kong}}: [[Police Tactical Unit (Hong Kong)|Police Tactical Unit]] and Police Negotiation Cadre (PNC) of the [[Hong Kong Police Force]]
* {{flag|India}}: [[Delhi Police]]
* {{flag|Israel}}: [[Ministry of Defense (Israel)|Ministry of Defense]], [[Israel Police]]
* {{flag|Japan}}
* {{Flag|New Zealand}}: [[New Zealand Police]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Revealed: Police used sound cannons against Parliament protesters |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/revealed-police-used-sound-cannons-against-parliament-protesters/PIBFZEHRIOEADS7SK4Y4SWM464/ |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Francis |first=Oscar |date=2022-06-29 |title=Sound cannons deployed for first time at protest |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/sound-cannons-deployed-first-time-protest |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=Otago Daily Times Online News |language=en}}</ref>
* {{flag|Norway}}: [[Royal Norwegian Navy|Norwegian Navy]] onboard [[Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate]]s
* {{flag|Philippines}}: [[Philippine National Police]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph//article/404812/Business/Riot-police-level-up-defense-with-sonic-weapon|title=Riot police level up defense with sonic weapon|first=Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo and Keith|last=Calayag|date=14 November 2017|website=Sunstar|access-date=26 June 2019}}</ref> [[Philippine Coast Guard]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/MaxDefense/posts/827521567418502 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/117625771741422/827521567418502 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=MaxDefense Philippines|website=Facebook.com|access-date=26 June 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* {{flag|Poland}}: [[Polish Police]] ([[Police of Poland|Polish Police]] have it but for legal reasons it's not used)
* {{flag|Romania}}: Used first time on June 7, 2015, by [[Gendarmerie (Romania)|Jandarmeria Romana]]
* {{flag|Singapore}}: Used by the [[Singapore Armed Forces]]
* {{flag|South Africa}}: Used by the [[South African Police Service]]<ref>[http://ewn.co.za/2016/09/01/CSIR-confirms-legality-of-using-LRAD CSIR confirms legality of using LRAD units], EWN, September 1, 2016</ref>
* {{flag|Spain}}: Reported use by [[Mossos d'Esquadra|Catalan Police]]<ref>[=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Centenares-personas-recorren-Madrid-Gamonal_0_219078935.html El Diario : News : Los mossos utilizan un cañón de sonido para dispersar a los manifestantes en Barcelona]</ref>
* {{flag|Sweden}}: [[Swedish Navy]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blogg.forsvarsmakten.se/operationatalanta/2013/04/27/mote-med-lokala-fiskare/|title=Möte med lokala fiskare – Operation Atalanta|website=blogg.forsvarsmakten.se|access-date=26 June 2019}}</ref>
* {{flag|Thailand}}
* {{flag|Turkey}}: Used by the [[Turkish Naval Forces]]
* {{flag|United Kingdom}}: [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]
* {{flag|United States}}: Multiple police departments, [[US Navy]], [[US Coast Guard]] and [[US Army]]
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