NCJ Number
178822
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 23 Issue: 9 Dated: September 1999 Pages: 18-22
Date Published
September 1999
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Due to technology advances, laser sights can play a critical role by increasing safety margins and perhaps de-escalating volatile situations for officers.
Abstract
By providing a visible dot at the point where a firearm is aimed, laser sights can supply a tactical edge in many situations. One of the most important benefits of a laser sight is the intimidation or deterrence that it can provide. When a suspect observes the dot as a symbol of where a police bullet will penetrate, it can produce compliance with officer commands. Further, the use of a laser sight allows an officer to accurately aim a firearm without needing to align an eye with the firearm's sights. This can be important in reduced-light scenarios or in situations in which something interferes with the ability to use the firearm's standard sights. A laser sight also allows an officer to fire accurately from unconventional firing stances and often provides improved accuracy when firing while moving. It also provides an effective alternate sighting method when firing around or over cover. Moreover, with a laser sight, both eyes can be kept directly on the target, and the officer can maintain a full field of vision during aiming. The effectiveness of a laser sight in a given situation is dependent on many variables, however. These include the ambient lighting, the reflectivity of the target, the dark adaptation of the eyes, as well as the wave length, power output, energy density of the aiming dot, and mode of operation. The laser sight must not be viewed as a substitute for the development of traditional marksmanship skills. This article includes training tips for the laser sight.