Formal complaint: Purpose and scope—Community policing and other policy violations
Complainant alleges that Austin police officers 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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CITY
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0955
June 16, 2020
Complaint:
, complainant, emailed the Office of Police Oversight stating the
following:
"As a member of this community, I vehemently implore you to demand that APD
immediately discontinue the use of the LRAD 300x noise weapon and have it
removed from its position atop their headquarters.
At a distance of 30 meters (98ft.), this incredibly dangerous device can cause
instantaneous, permanent hearing damage (120 dB SPL). This is the threshold of
pain for most people. It was developed for use in war zones against enemy soldiers,
and protesters are neither the enemy nor soldiers. Like many other "crowd control"
weapons, these devices are NOT appropriate for use on civilians. We"ve already
seen members of our community maimed by so-called "less lethal" weapons and
munitions. APD takes such an extremely large and, frankly, unreasonable amount
of taxpayer money, yet they seem unable to handle the most basic tasks without
unnecessary violence. The police must always DE-ESCALATE in tense situations
with protesters. The use of sonic devices capable of producing permanent hearing
damage should be banned for any law enforcement or military personnel in Austin.
Who exactly are Austin cops "serving & protecting" by deafening their neighbors,
their children"s friends, and members of this community already dealing with
oppression, repression, and police brutality. Why, when they have SO little problem
finding new ways to hurt us, are they allowed to keep the positions of authority they
abuse? I steadfastly request to know who authorized this weapon of toture against
our community and their justification for doing so, as I can see absolutely no
possible excuse
Here is a link to the exact specifications of the weapon including its sonic
capabilities:
https://genasys.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/LRAD_Datasheet_300X-RE.pdf
Here is a link to the CDC"s warning on the sound levels that will cause disastrous
damage to the ears of the citizens you are charged with protecting:
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/what_noises_cause_hearing_loss.html"
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.