Question NW1047 to the Minister of Police
07 June 2017 - NW1047
Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the Minister of Police
(1)Have any Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs) been regulated for (a) use, (b) manufacture, or (c) sale in the country, if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether (a) his department or (b) any law enforcement agency or body that falls under his department is in possession of an LRAD; if so, (i) when was the device acquired, (ii) whom was the device acquired from and (iii) who manufactured the device in each case; (3) did the SA Police Service deploy or have an LRAD on standby (a) in Tshwane during an anti-Zuma protest march held on 12 April 2017 or (b) at any other occasion prior to 12 April 2017?
Reply:
(1)(a) Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs) are, however, used as a non-lethal operational option by trained members of Public Order Policing (POP).
The device provides exceptional clarity and is used for short and long range communication with individuals and large crowds to easily establish standoff zones, inform, direct and prevent misunderstandings, peacefully resolve dangerous situations and to save the lives of both the public and law enforcement members during elevated risk operations. It offers a less physical option to kinetic measures such as tear gas, rubber bullets, pepper spray, tasers and flash grenades.
The following regulations and standards guide the use of the Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD) in South Africa:
- The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No 85 of 1993);
- Regulation of Gatherings Act, 1993 (Act No 205 of 1993);
- Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No 108 of 1996);
- South African National Standards (SANS) 10103:2004 The Measurement and Rating of Environmental Noise with respect to Land Use, Health, Annoyance and Speech Communication;
- Hearing Conservation Regulations, promulgated under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No 85 of 1993);
- The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) 083: 1996 Measurement and Assessment of Occupational Noise. (SANS 10083:2013 Edition 5.2); and
- SANS10083:2013 “SABS 083” The South African Bureau of Standards’ Code of Practice for the Measurement and Assessment of Occupational Noise for Hearing Conservation Purposes, SABS 083.
The device was tested by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), which confirmed that the device is suitable for its intended use.
(1)(b) The SAPS is not aware of any regulations relating to the manufacture of LRADs as they are manufactured in the United States of America (USA), however, the device is provided with a user manual.
(1)(c) Yes, by the Company known as Acoustic Deterrent Systems cc.
(2)(a) Yes.
(2)(b) 25 Public Order Policing Units are in possession of LRADs.
(2)(a)(b)(i) During the 2014/2015 financial year.
(2)(a)(b)(ii) Acoustic Deterrent Systems cc.
(2)(a)(b)(iii) LRAD Corporation, California, USA.
(3)(a) Yes.
(3)(b) Yes.