Formal complaint: Purpose and scope—Community policing and other policy violations
Complainant alleges that the Austin Police Department deployed sonic weapons that can cause permanent hearing damage protesters. They call for the removal of these weapons. The Office of Police Oversight recommends that this allegation receive an A classification.
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DATE OF OFFICE OF NOTICE OF FORMAL POLICE OVERSIGHT COMPLAINT FOUNDED 1839 ICMS #: 2020-0934 June 9, 2020 Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an email complaint from stating as follows: "Dear Police Oversight, I need you to insist on the immediate removal of the LRAD noise weapon mounted on top of APD headquarters. This device is capable of producing permanent hearing damage among other injuries. It was developed for crowd control in war zones. We are not at war. Protesters are not the enemy. Quite often there are CHILDREN within range of this shameful device. This must be removed and banned from use forever in Austin. I demand to know who authorized this and their justification. Hearing is precious! Here is a table showing dB ranges and the injuries they can cause. https:// The device installed atop the appears to be a LRAD300x model with a dB range of up to 143 dB as show in this product guide. http:/ 9 level this device will immediately and permanently damage peoples hearing. NDED Signed, The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request.
