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UK Police Test 'Temporarily Blinding' LASER

Posted by Soulskill on from the for-sufficiently-permanent-values-of-temporary dept.

esocid writes "Called the SMU 100 it costs £25,000 and sends out a three-meter 'wall of light' that leaves anyone caught in it briefly unable to see. Designed by a former Royal Marine Commando, it was originally developed for use against pirates in Somalia. While tasers and CS gas work well over short distances the laser is said to be effective at up to 500 meters (1,640ft). Being targeted by the beam has been compared to staring into the sun before being forced to turn away. Paul Kerr, managing director of Clyde-based Photonic Security Systems, which came up with the design, said 'If you can't look at something you can't attack it.'"

4 of 398 comments (clear)

  1. Reflection? by ark1 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I'm sure someone will figure out a way to reflect (mirror?) back to the source.

    1. Re:Reflection? by Bowling+Moses · · Score: 3, Interesting

      "I'm sure someone will figure out a way to reflect (mirror?) back to the source."

      I guess this means mirrored sunglasses are going to make a comeback. Or did they already? I don't pay attention to fashion.

  2. Re:What is with the UK and all this surveillance a by cayenne8 · · Score: 5, Interesting
    Let me guess....

    Normal civilians are prohibited from owning and using these devices ....?

    --
    Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.........
  3. Re:What is with the UK and all this surveillance a by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    That article shows four fatalities in ten years. Four.

    Nationwide.

    Compare that with New York, where eight fatalities in one year is reported as a record low. And NY is one of the US's safer large cities nowadays - the numbers in Chicago or Los Angeles are way higher.

    I defy you to even find any figures for nationwide police shootings in the USA.