NCJ Number
177445
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 68 Issue: 5 Dated: May 1999 Pages: 7-9
Date Published
1999
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Low-power, visible-light lasers, which are easy to obtain, could be used by offenders to achieve a momentary visual incapacitation of police officers when they are aimed at the eyes; police officers must be trained and prepared to deal with this threat.
Abstract
Laser is an intensely bright light that travels from the light source in a narrow beam that maintains brightness at long distances. Invented more than 30 years ago, lasers are now smaller, more powerful, less costly, and more available than ever before. In the hands of an irresponsible or malevolent individual, a laser device could be directed at a person's eyes and cause temporary blindness or some form of visual impairment, although most low-power laser devices do not cause permanent eye damage. Police departments should consider developing a tactical laser defense plan and train officers in how to minimize laser threats. Laser eyewear for officers is an effective hardware countermeasure, although it has some severe limitations. Annual or less frequent training should emphasize the probability of encountering a laser device, its biological and psychological effects, what to do when confronting a person with a laser device, and how to deal with a laser attack on the eyes. Because the greatest laser-threat environment occurs at night and primarily to aircraft or vehicle operators, officers in these situations must receive information about the dangers associated with laser threats. 4 notes