~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~17~RS~)
Police test for riot laser that can temporarily blind
Page last updated at 12:40 GMT, Monday, 12 December 2011
- E-mail this to a friend [an error occurred while processing this directive]
.jpg)
The laser can fire a three-metre square 'wall' of light that temporarily blinds
A new laser designed to temporarily blind people is going to be trialled by police.
Called the SMU 100 it costs £25,000 and sends out a three-metre "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.
Its makers claim an unnamed police force is set to trial the device which could be used against rioters.
Since the riots in several English towns and cities over the summer there has been extensive examination of the tools and tactics police use for large-scale crowd trouble.
While tasers and CS gas work well over short distances the laser is said to be effective at up to 500 metres (1,640ft).
Paul Kerr MD Photonic Security SystemsIf you can't look at something you can't attack it
Paul Kerr is managing director of Clyde-based Photonic Security Systems, which came up with the design.
He said: "The system would give police an intimidating visual deterrent. If you can't look at something you can't attack it."
Being targeted by the beam has been compared to staring into the sun before being forced to turn away.
Although the blinding effect is only temporary part of the trial will see scientists carry out further research on any potential side-effects.
Only if it gets the all clear will it then be passed on to the Home Secretary to be signed off for use.
It's not the first time a laser has been used to temporarily blind people.
Similar devices have already been used by British and American troops in Afghanistan to help protect convoys from attack.
- E-mail this to a friend [an error occurred while processing this directive]
Print Sponsor
On Newsbeat today
Top stories
-
'Rise' in children abusing children
A growing number of children are being sexually abused by other children, say charities.
-
Newsbeat's week in pictures
Security is increased at barracks across London after one man was killed.
-
Fans react to new Xbox One launch
Newsbeat listeners have been sharing their views on Microsoft's new games console, set for release later this year.
-
The X Factor reveal judges for 2013
It is confirmed that Sharon Osbourne will return as a judge alongside Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger.
-
Paris Hilton to release second album
The hotel heiress signs with Cash Money Records to release her new record, which is being produced by Afrojack.
See also
-
Police hunt thousands of rioters
06 October 11Front Page
-
How do you stop people rioting?
15 August 11Politics
-
Victims count cost of riot damage
12 August 11Front Page
-
'We are fed up and we're broke'
09 August 11Front Page
-
What tactics can control a riot?
09 August 11Front Page
-
Music labels 'devastated' by fire
09 August 11Music
Most popular stories now
shared
-
Are people drinking too much coffee?
-
Germany tops BBC country image poll
-
Attack victim 'was in armed forces'
-
In pictures: Kabul kids on wheels
-
Nissan recalls over 800,000 vehicles
read
-
Attack victim 'was in armed forces'
-
Woolwich attack reaction
-
Arrests in nursery sex assault probe
-
Beheaded UK woman named by family
-
Woolwich murder: The attackers
-
Are people drinking too much coffee?
-
Woolwich: The long-feared attack
-
10 of popular culture's best Machiavellian characters
-
Girl 'repeatedly raped by group'
-
In Pictures: Woolwich attack
