NCJ Number
222299
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 77 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2008 Pages: 1-7
Date Published
April 2008
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article examines the threats associated with laser devices.
Abstract
The article provides information to make law enforcement professionals (and the public) aware of the potential dangers associated with laser illuminations. Laser threats are derived from both negligent use and intentional criminal employment of laser devices and weapons that can disrupt human vision and potentially cause short- and long-term damage to the human eye. The danger this threat represents increases substantially when civil and private aircraft, commercial cargo carriers, and airborne law enforcement entities become the targets of laser illuminations. Loss of pilot vision and air-borne reference can result in serious catastrophic outcomes that can lead to both crew and passenger injury and the loss of life, as well as imperil citizens on the ground. Laser devices and weapons have disruptive (visual) and destructive (thermal) effects on targets. Weaker low-energy lasers have only disruptive effects, whereas stronger ones also have eye damage and destructive capabilities to start fires and either melt or burn through objects that have little density. Lasers, like any other device or weapon, may be employed by criminals, terrorists, or military combatants alike. Weapons effects can be matched to target weaknesses and vulnerabilities, and a reasonably competent operations plan can be constructed. However, since the vision of law enforcement and commercial aviation personnel are the greatest vulnerabilities, the law enforcement profession should recognize that lasers are emerging as the weapons of the future. 10 endnotes