View source for Long-range acoustic device

{{Short description|High-powered loudspeaker}}
{{redirect|LRAD|the dance qualification|Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance}}
{{use mdy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{use American English|date=February 2022}}
[[File:soundweapon1.jpg|thumb|An [[New York City Police Department|NYPD]] LRAD on top of a police [[humvee]] outside the 2004 [[Republican National Convention]]]]
[[File:USS Donald Cook.jpg|thumb|US Navy Ship with LRAD system aboard, 2010]]

A '''long-range acoustic device''' ('''LRAD'''), '''acoustic hailing device''' ('''AHD''') or '''sound cannon''' is a specialized [[loudspeaker]]  and [[sound weapon]] that produces sound at high power for communicating at a distance. It has been used as a method of [[crowd control]], which has caused permanent [[Hearing loss|hearing damage]], having an extremely high [[decibel]] capacity (up to 160&nbsp;dB measured at one meter from the device).<ref name=g20lawsuit>{{cite web | title=CITY OF PITTSBURGH SETTLES G-20 LAWSUITS | website=ACLU Pennsylvania| date=14 November 2012 | url=https://www.aclupa.org/en/press-releases/city-pittsburgh-settles-g-20-lawsuits | access-date=11 May 2022}}</ref> Other uses have included for negotiations in [[siege]] situations; to deal with [[piracy]] at sea; for mass notification during [[natural disaster]]s or other emergencies; and by the military, including several [[navies]].

== Overview ==

Acoustic hailing devices are acoustic devices capable of outputting [[Intelligibility (communication)|intelligible]] sound at very high volumes. The distance at which acoustic hailing can be effective varies based on several factors including the sound level, directionality, and [[Audio frequency|frequency]] of the acoustic source, the sensitivity and directionality of the receiver, and the transmission channel environment. The sound level diminishes or attenuates with distance. Consequently, as a general rule, higher source levels have greater range. 
Acoustic hailing devices can come in two forms;
# Directional models: These AHDs are characterized by their ability to create long-range, directional voice communications and warning tones. Their directionality is typically 5° to 60° radius conical at a 2[[KHz|&nbsp;kHz]] tone.
# Omnidirectional models: These acoustic hailing devices are capable of creating 360° voice communications and warning tones. These devices are capable of being heard over {{convert|2.4|km}} away from the emitter head.

=== Origin ===
The term ''acoustic hailing device'' came into common use following the [[USS Cole bombing|suicide attack]] on the {{USS|Cole|DDG-67|6}} while it was at a port in [[Yemen]] in 2000. Following this attack, the [[United States Navy]] established a requirement for an acoustic hailing device. The intent of this AHD was to provide the Navy with a means to establish the intent of an approaching vessel at a distance such that defensive measures could be taken should the vessel not heed a warning. One unique aspect of this requirement was that the sound needed to be focused so that it could be clearly directed at the approaching vessel.

=== Present ===
Since their inception in 2002, acoustic hailing devices have grown into a variety of applications. AHD uses include checkpoints, [[crowd control]], [[Maritime transport|maritime shipping]], mass notification, [[early warning system]]s, [[critical infrastructure protection]], military applications and wildlife protection and control. Acoustic hailing devices are now fielded all over the world by various commercial, law enforcement, and military groups.

==History==
In October 2000 the {{USS|Cole|DDG-67|6}}, an American [[guided missile destroyer]], was [[USS Cole bombing|bombed in an attack]] by [[al-Qaeda]] operatives, using a small boat packed with explosives. The naval personnel on Cole were unable to be sure that their messages could be heard by the approaching boat at a sufficient distance to possibly avert the attack.<ref name=convfeb2022/> The ship was badly damaged, with 17 [[U.S. Navy]] sailors killed and 37 injured.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/browse-by-topic/ships/modern-ships/uss-cole-updated.html|title=USS Cole (DDG-67) Determined Warrior|publisher=Naval History & Heritage Command| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531150203/https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/browse-by-topic/ships/modern-ships/uss-cole-updated.html|archive-date=31 May 2019}}</ref>

Following this attack, navies around the world made several policy changes,<ref name=convfeb2022/> while the [[Genasys|American Technology Corporation]] (which was rebranded to LRAD Corporation in 2010 and to Genasys in late October 2019<ref name=jolt/>) created and developed the AHD market, which included the launch of its proprietary Long Range Acoustic Device, a type of acoustic hailing device, in 2003.<ref name=genprodguide/> Using this new technology, it became possible for naval personnel to contact approaching vessels which did not respond to radio calls from a distance of over {{convert|3000|m}}, enabling them to respond appropriately in a timely manner and avert danger.<ref name=genmaritime>{{cite web | title=Maritime Community & Safety | website=Genasys Inc. | date=7 October 2020 | url=https://genasys.com/lrad-2/maritime/ | access-date=23 February 2022}}</ref>

Since then the technology has developed and expanded. [[Genasys]] launched its voice-based mass notification systems in 2012, and in 2019 its unified multichannel Critical Communications and Enterprise Safety system.<ref name=genprodguide/>

LRAD devices have become widely used for communications, and increasingly for crowd control in a range of settings, including civil disturbances and protests.<ref name=convfeb2022/>

== Characteristics  and measurements ==
Acoustic hailing devices differ from conventional speaker systems in three key ways: volume, clarity, and directionality. AHD manufacturers use different methods to measure their products, but a common standard has emerged.

=== Volume ===
Since sound attenuates with distance, extremely high outputs are required to achieve the required range. Acoustic hailing devices have an output of 135 decibels (dB) or greater. The acoustic level of the source is commonly expressed in terms of [[sound pressure]] level or SPL. SPL is a [[logarithm]]ic measure of the [[root mean square|rms]] sound pressure of a sound relative to a reference value. It is measured in [[decibel]]s (dB) above a standard reference level. For reference, at a distance of 1 meter, a normal talking voice is approximately 50&nbsp;dB and a jet engine at 30 meters is 150&nbsp;dB.

=== Clarity ===
A principal weakness of common speaker systems and bullhorns is their clarity. Their horns and cones create sound that is distorted or out of phase. This results in the common "[[Charlie Brown]]" effect, where the message is muffled and misunderstood, analogous to the muted brass squawks representing the unintelligible voices of adults in animated ''[[Peanuts]]'' specials. AHDs create sound that is in phase. Because of this, sound emitted from acoustic hailing devices is intelligible at distance. Clarity is difficult to measure, since it is a subjective reference. However, different scales have been created to compare devices. A common measurement is the [[speech transmission index]] (STI). STI ratings range from 0–1.0, with 1.0 being perfect clarity.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.meyersound.com/support/papers/speech/section4.htm |title=Speech Intelligibility Papers Section 4 |access-date=2010-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123020015/http://www.meyersound.com/support/papers/speech/section4.htm |archive-date=2011-01-23 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Focus ===
AHDs are lastly characterized by directionality. To ensure messages are broadcast to the target, AHDs shape sound into a 30–60° audio beam. This shaping is accomplished through the design of the [[transducer]]s as well as various reflective horns. 
The focus of an AHD is typically measured at the frequency of peak directionality. This is typically in the 1–2&nbsp;kHz range. Not all frequencies of sound are able to be directed equally. Lower frequencies in the bass range are difficult to form. As such, their directionality may be a 40 degree radius or more depending on the design of the AHD.

==Specifications and functionality==
LRAD devices are made by Genasys. {{as of|2022}}, the company claims its LRAD products meet the following specifications:<ref name=genprodguide>{{ cite web| url=https://apac.genasys.com/wp-content/uploads/LRAD-Product-Guide-Final-PRINT.pdf| title=LRAD overview and product guide|publisher= Genasys}}</ref>
* 30° audible transmission ranges out to 5,000 meters
* 60º–360° audible mass notification coverage over areas up to {{cvt|14| km2}}

LRAD devices include hand-held devices, as well as those mounted on [[helicopter]]s, motor vehicles and ships.<ref name=genprodguide/>

The parameter "ka", which is the [[wave number]] multiplied by the speaker radius, is often used to characterize sound source directivity. For this source, ka=19 at 2.5&nbsp;kHz, and according to the LRAD data sheet, the beam angle of about 30 degrees total is what is predicted for a regular loudspeaker.<ref>Beranek, Leo L. 1986. Acoustics, p.132, [[American Institute of Physics]].</ref>{{update inline|date=February 2022}}

Small spherical "point-source" acoustic devices follow the known [[inverse square law]], which predicts the loss of 6 [[decibel]]s (dB) per doubling of distance from the source, solely due to [[geometric spreading]]. Large speakers (or large arrays), such as these, have an [[Interference (wave propagation)|interference]] pattern in the [[near and far field|nearfield]] which produces peaks 6&nbsp;dB higher than the output [[pressure]] and nulls where the pressure is essentially zero.<ref name="Blackstock, David T 2000. p.456">Blackstock, David T. 2000. Fundamentals of Physical Acoustics, p.456, [[John Wiley and Sons]].</ref> The larger the speaker, and the higher the frequency, the longer the effective nearfield. The nearfield for this device is approximately {{convert|8|m}}.<ref name="Blackstock, David T 2000. p.456"/> An LRAD can thus emit a targeted "beam" of sound at very high volume, up to 160&nbsp;dB at one meter from the device. This is louder than standing behind a [[jet engine]] taking off, or a nearby [[gunshot]].<ref name=convfeb2022/>

==Use==
Following the impetus for its initial development, 25 navies have adopted the use of LRADs {{as of|2022|lc=yes}}, to provide protection for their vessels. Navy personnel can contact approaching vessels from over {{cvt|3,000|m}} and respond defensively if necessary. They are also used by [[coast guard]]s, [[naval base]]s, commercial vessels, and in ports.<ref name=genmaritime/>

Genasys offers its products for the following categories of use on its U.S. website: defense, [[law enforcement]], [[fire and rescue]] services, [[border security]], protection of [[critical infrastructure]], and maritime safety.<ref>{{cite web | title=LRAD Solutions | website=Genasys Inc.  | url=https://genasys.com/lrad-solutions/ | access-date=23 February 2022}}</ref> {{as of|2022}} its products are in use in 100 countries. The Asia-Pacific website is focused on [[emergency management]] during [[natural disaster]]s such as [[bushfire]]s.<ref name=apac>{{cite web | title=The Critical Communications Company | website=Genasys APAC | url=https://apac.genasys.com/ | access-date=23 February 2022}}</ref> It is not categorized as a defense item, and does not require an export license.<ref name=sindelar/>

The technology can also be used to deter wildlife from [[airport runway]]s, as at [[Changi Airport]] in [[Singapore]],<ref>{{cite web | last=Tan | first=Yvette | title=Lasers and giant speakers: How airports chase birds off the runway | website=Mashable | date=29 October 2021 | url=https://mashable.com/article/runway-machines-birds | access-date=23 February 2022}}</ref> and to protect [[Oil platform|gas and oil platforms]] from [[Fishing vessel|fishing boats]], birds and security threats.<ref>{{cite web | last=Wickman | first=Allie | title=LRAD Corporation Receives LRAD-RX Systems Order to Remotely Secure Oil Platforms | website=Benzinga | date=23 August 2011 | url=https://www.benzinga.com/news/11/08/1876780/lrad-corporation-receives-lrad-rx-systems-order-to-remotely-secure-oil-platforms | access-date=23 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Oil & Gas Platforms | website=Genasys Inc. | url=https://genasys.com/proven_performance/oil-gas-platforms/ | access-date=23 February 2022 | archive-date=February 23, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223043802/https://genasys.com/proven_performance/oil-gas-platforms/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>

There are two basic ways of using LRAD devices: for voice amplification and as an alert. The technology used in "[[siren (alarm)|siren]] mode" (called an "alert tone" by Genasys<ref name=genprodguide/>), primarily for usage in emergency situations, has also been used for crowd control. In this mode, it allows sound transmission at around 2,000–4,000 [[Hertz]], which causes maximum discomfort for the people targeted, as this is the frequency range at [[human hearing]] is most sensitive.<ref name=convfeb2022/> Although sometimes referred to as an [[Active Denial System]],<ref name=jolt/> the latter is based on a different technology, in which [[millimetre-wave]] radiation causes nerve receptors in the skin to feel heat, via [[dielectric heating]].<ref name=convfeb2022/>

== Risks ==
[[File:LRAD-US-Navy.jpg|thumb|An LRAD operator wearing hearing protection]]
Acoustic hailing devices are being used as [[weapons]]. The human [[ear]] can typically stand a sound pressure level of 120&nbsp;dB before feeling pain. AHDs are capable of 135&nbsp;dB or more of acoustic energy. [[Occupational Safety and Health Administration|OSHA]] states that any sound pressure level over 90&nbsp;dB requires hearing protection.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=standards&p_id=9735|title = 1910.95 - Occupational noise exposure. &#124; Occupational Safety and Health Administration}}</ref> As volume increases so does the chance of hearing loss. The effective non-lethal range of an AHD depends on the total acoustic output of the unit. Typically, this range is {{convert|50|m}} or less.

In addition to its "voice" feature, which acts as a [[loudspeaker]], the LRAD has an "alert" feature, which emits loud chirping or beeping sounds, which can be used at the top of the decibel range of the device.<ref name=jolt/> These sounds have been reported to cause pain and hearing damage.<ref name="Bondy2019">{{cite news |last1=Bondy |first1=Halley |title=How the LRAD Went From a Pirate Deterrent to a Police Crowd-Control Tool |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/how-the-lrad-went-from-a-pirate-deterrent-to-a-police-crowd-control-tool?ref=scroll |access-date=7 June 2020 |agency=The Daily Beast |date=30 September 2019}}</ref> The use of the alert function for crowd control has been described as a "sound cannon" or [[sonic weapon]],<ref name="Kesslen2019"/> although this has been denied by the manufacturer. The sound can be targeted within a narrow and specific range that does not impact those operating the device or standing next to it. [[Civil liberties]] organizations are concerned about its use by police forces,<ref name=sindelar>{{cite web | last=Sindelar | first=Daisy | title=Explainer: LRAD -- What Is It And How Does It Work? | website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty | date=13 March 2013 | url=https://www.rferl.org/a/explainer-lrad-sound-cannon/24927845.html | access-date=23 February 2022}}</ref> and its use has been contested in law courts in the United States. One concern is that police officers are not receiving enough training in its use.<ref name=jolt>{{cite web | title=LRAD: The Sound of Possible Excessive Force | website=Richmond Journal of Law and Technology | date=30 November 2019 | url=https://jolt.richmond.edu/2019/11/30/lrad-the-sound-of-possible-excessive-force/ | access-date=23 February 2022}}</ref> Due to potential risks and a lack of studies on the health impact of sonic weapons, the [[American Civil Liberties Union]] recommended in a fact sheet that their use in protests be suspended.<ref name="ACLUFactSheet">{{cite web |date=14 July 2016<!--embedded in PDF--> |title=Acoustic Weapons Fact Sheet |url=https://www.aclu.org/fact-sheet/acoustic-weapons-fact-sheet |website=ACLU}}</ref>

Law enforcement organizations and the manufacturer claim that LRAD systems are primarily designed for long-range communications;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lradx.com/application/ |title=Long Range Acoustic Device Industry Applications - Public Safety & Security Solution |website=Lradx.com |access-date=26 June 2019}}</ref> however, the device has an extremely high [[decibel]] capacity and has been controversially used as a [[less-lethal]] weapon for crowd control.<ref name=audiologist>{{cite web |title=Crowd Control with Long Range Acoustic Devices Can Cause Permanent Hearing Loss |url=https://www.audiologist.org/item/crowd-control-with-long-range-acoustic-devices-can-cause-permanent-hearing-loss |website=Academy of Doctors of Audiology |access-date=13 September 2021 |archive-date=September 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913195305/https://www.audiologist.org/item/crowd-control-with-long-range-acoustic-devices-can-cause-permanent-hearing-loss |url-status=dead }}</ref> Police usually use models that are not quite as powerful as the military-grade version; however, generating levels ranging from 137&nbsp;dB to 154&nbsp;dB, they are capable of causing pain, disorientation, [[nausea]], [[migraine]]s, and permanent hearing damage.<ref name=jolt/>

The [[New York City Police Department|New York City Police Department's]] LRAD use was to be challenged in [[US federal court]] in 2020.<ref name="Bondy2019" /><ref name="Kesslen2019">{{cite news |last1=Kesslen |first1=Ben |title=Plug your ears and run|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/plug-your-ears-run-nypd-s-use-sound-cannons-challenged-n1008916 |access-date=7 June 2020 |agency=NBC News |date=22 May 2019}}</ref> In the lawsuit, five protestors and photographers sued the city, alleging that they'd experienced migraines, sinus pain, dizziness, facial pressure and ear ringing after they were exposed to the LRAD's alert tone. The city settled the lawsuit in 2021, with an agreement that the police would be banned from using the alert feature and that rules would be created on how and when the police could use LRADs. The city also agreed to pay $98,000 in damages to the plaintiffs, as well as $650,000 in legal fees.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moynihan |first=Colin |date=2021-04-19 |title=N.Y.P.D. to Limit Use of 'Sound Cannon' on Crowds After Protesters' Lawsuit |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/nyregion/nypd-sound-cannon-protests.html |access-date=2025-04-06 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

==Deployments ==
===Australia===
By mid-2016, most [[Law enforcement in Australia|Australian police forces]] had acquired LRADs ([[Queensland Police]] said that they had been using it since 2009),<ref name=chang2016>{{cite web | last=Chang | first=Charis | title='Why is it OK to use this against our own citizens?' | website=news.com.au | date=21 December 2016 | url=https://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/long-range-acoustic-devices-terrorising-protesters/news-story/83a47dbd6e64095549f09a89ef020f94 | access-date=22 February 2022}}</ref> and concerns were raised about their use for crowd control.<ref name=rn2016>{{cite web | title=Australian police authorities buying up sound weapons | website=[[ABC Radio National]] | date=17 May 2016 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lawreport/australian-police-buy-up-on-sound-weapons/7419408 | access-date=22 February 2022}}</ref>  However, before 2020, there was no use of the LRAD in public situations; most usage had been by the various police forces for communications during [[natural disaster]]s or for negotiations with [[hostage]]-takers<ref name=convfeb2022/><ref name=chang2016/> in a [[siege]], where it was too dangerous to approach a suspect.<ref name=chang2016/><ref name=rn2016/> In June 2020, during the [[Black Lives Matter protests in Australia|Black Lives Matter protests in New South Wales]], [[NSW Police]] used LRADs in a different way for the first time,<ref name=convfeb2022>{{cite web | last=English | first=Lawrence | title=What's an LRAD? Explaining the 'sonic weapons' police use for crowd control and communication | website=[[The Conversation (website)|The Conversation]] | date=21 February 2022 | url=http://theconversation.com/whats-an-lrad-explaining-the-sonic-weapons-police-use-for-crowd-control-and-communication-177442 | access-date=22 February 2022}}</ref> and it has been used at other anti-racism protests in Australia.<ref name=abcfeb2022/>

The device came to the attention of the wider public when it was used at the [[convoy to Canberra|2022 anti-vaccine mandate Canberra protests]] in "loud hailer" mode for voice messages to be announced to the protesters, and there was speculation among protesters regarding purported harms from its use. However, there was no evidence that it was used as a siren. In addition, some reports appeared to confuse the LRAD with other crowd control devices, such as the [[Active Denial System]];<ref name=convfeb2022/> one activist claimed that "[[supersonic]] weapons" had been used.<ref name=abcfeb2022>{{cite web | last=McCutchan | first=Ellen | title='Sonic weapons' were used by police in Canberra's protests, but only to broadcast messages rather than do harm | website=ABC News| publisher= [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]| series= [[RMIT]] ABC Fact Check | date=17 February 2022 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-18/coronacheck-sonic-weapons-lrad-police-canberra-protests/100839612 | access-date=22 February 2022}}</ref>

===Czech Republic===
On June 26, 2015, Czech Special Forces Police may have deployed an LRAD 500X during anti-immigration and anti-Islam protests in [[Brno]], the second largest city in the [[Czech Republic]].<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://policejnidenik.cz/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DSC_00613-1024x702.jpg | title=Man with a blurred face operating some kind of device | access-date=2015-06-27 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629202141/http://policejnidenik.cz/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DSC_00613-1024x702.jpg | archive-date=2015-06-29 | url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://policejnidenik.cz/do-brna-se-kvuli-demonstracim-sjeli-policiste-ze-specialnich-poradkovych-jednotek-z-cele-republiky/| language=cs| title=Do Brna se kvůli demonstracím sjeli policisté ze Speciálních pořádkových jednotek z celé republiky| website=Policejnidenik.cz|date=June 26, 2015}}</ref>

Police in [[Prague]] used a vehicle-mounted LRAD on November 17, 2020, to repeatedly alert protesters on Wenceslas Square to follow COVID restrictions and wear masks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tydenikpolicie.cz/v-centru-prahy-probehlo-k-vyroci-17-listopadu-nekolik-shromazdeni-i-pochodu-nejproblematictejsi-byl-ten-proti-vladnim-opatrenim/|title=V centru Prahy proběhlo k výročí 17. listopadu několik shromáždění i pochodů. Nejproblematičtější byl ten proti vládním opatřením|author=Týdeník Policie|date=18 November 2020|website=tydenikpolicie.cz}}</ref> On that day, police supervised several rallies, meetings and demonstrations. Thousands of participants gathered at the largest protests in the Old Town Square. The police and a [[Prague City Hall]] representative used an LRAD to repeatedly call upon demonstrators to follow COVID public safety protocols and to comply with security measures.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tydenikpolicie-cz.translate.goog/na-staromestskem-namesti-v-praze-demonstrovaly-tisice-odpurcu-vladnich-opatreni-a-ockovani/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=nui|title=Thousands of opponents of government measures and vaccinations demonstrated in the Old Town Square in Prague|author=Týdeník Policie|date=17 November 2021|website=tydenikpolicie.cz}}</ref>

During a November 25, 2021 march from the center of Prague to the local soccer stadium for a [[Europa Conference League]] match, Prague police and regional Czech law enforcement officers utilized vehicle mounted LRADs to broadcast frequent warnings against the use of pyrotechnics by the large crowds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tydenikpolicie-cz.translate.goog/policiste-museli-behem-pochodu-v-praze-opakovane-zakrocit-proti-fanouskum-feyenoordu/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=nui|title=During the march in Prague, the police had to repeatedly crack down on Feyenoord fans|author=Týdeník Policie|date=26 November 2021|website=tydenikpolicie.cz}}</ref>

Prague police officers utilized a vehicle-mounted LRAD to issue more than 500 warnings to revelers not to set off pyrotechnics during downtown December 31, 2021 - January 1, 2022 New Year's Eve celebrations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tydenikpolicie-cz.translate.goog/policiste-pri-silvestrovskych-oslavach-v-centru-prahy-zajistili-10-lidi-jeden-clovek-musel-byt-zadrzen-kvuli-nasili-proti-uredni-osobe/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US|title=Police detained 10 people during New Year's Eve celebrations in the center of Prague. One person had to be detained for violence against an official|author=Týdeník Policie|date=1 January 2022|website=tydenikpolicie.cz}}</ref>

A vehicle-mounted LRAD was deployed by police in Prague on March 11, 2023, to communicate to and warn away demonstrators from the National Museum.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tydenikpolicie.cz/vysledek-incidentu-pred-narodnim-muzeem-v-praze-dvacet-lidi-v-poutech-tri-zraneni-policiste/|title=The result of the incident in front of the National Museum in Prague: Twenty people in handcuffs, three injured police officers|author=Týdeník Policie|date=13 March 2023|website=tydenikpolicie.cz}}</ref>

=== Greece ===
[[Hellenic Police]] acquired two LRAD systems to be used at the [[Evros (regional unit)|Evros]] border. These were tested after the March [[2015 European migrant crisis|2020 migrant crisis]] at the border, triggered by the Turkish government. They are to be used as a deterrent against illegal border entry, as a notification system, as well as to handle aggressive actions against the [[Hellenic Armed Forces]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-13|title=Επίδειξη συστήματος LRAD για αντιμετώπιση όχλων σε Ένοπλες Δυνάμεις και Σώματα Ασφαλείας|url=https://doureios.com/epideixi-systimatos-lrad-gia-antimetopisi-ohlon-se-enoples-dynameis-kai-somata-asfaleias/|access-date=2020-09-27|website=Δούρειος Ίππος|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-26|title=Ηχητικά υπερόπλα στήνονται στα σύνορα του Έβρου από την ΕΛΑΣ σε συνεργασία με τον Στρατό (Και 4 νέα Drone)|url=https://xanthinews.gr/2020/09/%ce%b7%cf%87%ce%b7%cf%84%ce%b9%ce%ba%ce%ac-%cf%85%cf%80%ce%b5%cf%81%cf%8c%cf%80%ce%bb%ce%b1-%cf%83%cf%84%ce%ae%ce%bd%ce%bf%ce%bd%cf%84%ce%b1%ce%b9-%cf%83%cf%84%ce%b1-%cf%83%cf%8d%ce%bd%ce%bf%cf%81/|access-date=2020-09-27|website=Νέα, Ειδήσεις, Εκδηλώσεις στην Ξάνθη|language=el}}</ref>

===Japan===
Japan's Coast Guard used Long Range Acoustic Devices and other methods to expel a North Korean fishing flotilla from its waters in September 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ftchinese.com/story/001074087/en |title=Japan coastguard expels North Korean fishing flotilla |website=Ftchinese.com}}</ref>

In February 2009, the Japanese whaling fleet operating in Antarctic waters near Australia installed LRADs on their vessels. The device was used against activists of the [[Sea Shepherd Conservation Society]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/whalers-attack-activists-at-sea-20090205-7z05.html |location=Melbourne |work=The Age |title=Whalers attack activists at sea |first1=Andrew |last1=Darby |date=February 6, 2009}}</ref> The Japanese fleet later escalated the use of LRAD, deploying it against a Sea Shepherd helicopter carrying a camera crew.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seashepherd.org/matilda/video.html|title=Video - Operation Waltzing Matilda|author=Sea Shepherd Conservation Society USA|work=Operation Waltzing Matilda - Sea Shepherd Conservation Society|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103231027/http://www.seashepherd.org/matilda/video.html|archive-date=2010-01-03}}</ref><ref>''[http://www.sundancechannel.com/sunfiltered/2009/02/sea-shepherd-battles-japanese-whalers-in-the-ross-sea/ Sea Shepherd Battles Japanese Whalers in the Ross Sea]'' - ''[[Sundance Channel (United States)|Sundance Channel]]'', 7 February 2009</ref> Sea Shepherd noted that they had an LRAD of their own, but as of early 2010, had not put it into use<ref name="STREET FIGHT">{{cite magazine| title= Street Fight on the High Seas| magazine=[[The New Yorker]]| date= 2010-01-12| url= https://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2010/01/sea-shepherd.html | access-date= 2010-01-16}}</ref> other than to play a recording of "[[Ride of the Valkyries]]" in the manner of attacking U.S. Army helicopters depicted in the 1979 film ''[[Apocalypse Now]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.underwatertimes.com/news.php?article_id=10742901358|title=Ride Of The Valkyries: Japanese Whalers Claim Sea Shepherd Harasses The Nisshin Maru With Classical Music|date=February 9, 2010|website=Underwatertimes.com|access-date=January 1, 2011|location=Tokyo}}</ref>

===New Zealand===
During the dispersion of New Zealand's parliament protest in March 2022, LRAD were used by New Zealand police against the protesters. A document released under the Official Information Act (OIA), revealed two long range acoustic devices (LRADs) were deployed at the Parliament protest on March 2.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/revealed-police-used-sound-cannons-against-parliament-protesters/PIBFZEHRIOEADS7SK4Y4SWM464/|title=Revealed: Police used sound cannons against Parliament protesters|author=[[New Zealand Herald]] |date=29 June 2022|website=[[The New Zealand Herald]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Francis |first=Oscar |date=2022-06-29 |title=Sound cannons deployed for first time at protest |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/sound-cannons-deployed-first-time-protest |access-date=2025-04-09 |website=Otago Daily Times Online News |language=en}}</ref>

===Poland===
LRAD was present, but not used because of current legal regulations during protests in Poland, including [[Million Marijuana March]] 2011 and Marsz Niepodległości (National Independence Day March) 2011 and 2012. Lacking a way to utilize the LRADs purchased to their full potential sparked an investigation suspecting corruption behind their acquisition.  National Police Headquarters spokesman Mariusz Sokolowski defended the purchase of LRAD. He also stressed that the police decided to make this investment because, "We needed good sound reinforcement equipment. With numerous demonstrations and gatherings, police need a public address system that allows you to reach thousands of people."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rmf24.pl/fakty/polska/news-potezna-bron-sluzy-jako-zwykly-glosnik-policyjny-system-lrad,nId,768500|title=Potężna broń służy jako zwykły głośnik. Policyjny system LRAD pod lupą prokuratury|date=9 January 2013|language=pl|website=Rmf24.pl}}</ref>

Municipal police in Gdańsk, Poznań, Kołobrzeg and other cities in Poland used LRAD systems to deliver COVID-19 notifications.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://krakow.wyborcza.pl/krakow/7,44425,25820364,radiowoz-z-naglosnieniem-jezdzi-po-krakowie-emituje-apel-o.html?disableRedirects=true&squid_js=false|title=Radiowóz z nagłośnieniem jeździ po Krakowie. Emituje apel o pozostanie w domach|author=krakow.wyborcz|date=25 March 2020|website=krakow.wyborcza.pl}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvn24.pl/pomorze/koronawirus-w-polsce-radiowozy-z-glosnikami-na-ulicach-apelujemy-zostan-w-domu-4423513|title=Radiowozy z głośnikami na ulicach|author=Mak Źródło|date=22 March 2020|website=tvn24.pl/}}</ref>

===Serbia===
{{main|2025 Belgrade stampede}}
In December 2022 [[N1 (TV channel)|N1]] reported that the [[Ministry of Internal Affairs (Serbia)|Ministry of Internal Affairs]] acquired LRAD systems. The Ministry of Internal Affairs did not confirm or deny the report.<ref name="o103">{{cite web |last=Popović |first=Predrag |date=2022-12-22 |title=Zvučni top: Da razmislite pre izlaska na protest? |url=https://n1info.rs/vesti/policija-ima-novo-oruzje-zvucni-top-da-razmislite-pre-nego-izadjete-na-protest/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=N1 |language=sr}}</ref>

Opposition officials and Serbian rights groups stated that a military-grade sonic weapon was used during peaceful [[2024–present Serbian anti-corruption protests|Serbian anti-corruption protests]] on March 15, 2025.<ref name="AP">{{cite news |title=Serbian officials deny illegal sonic weapon attack on peaceful protesters |url=https://apnews.com/article/serbia-protest-sonic-weapon-8502587e5849997175a5ea02f98d2e19 |access-date=16 March 2025 |work=AP News |date=16 March 2025 |language=en |quote=Serbian officials denied Sunday that the country’s security forces used a military-grade sonic weapon to disperse and scare protesters at a huge anti-government rally in the capital. Opposition officials and Serbian rights groups claimed that the widely banned acoustic weapon that emits a targeted beam to temporarily incapacitate people was used during the protest Saturday.}}</ref> Serbian police and the defense ministry denied that the weapon was used,<ref name="AP" /> as did president [[Aleksandar Vučić]], who called it a "wicked lie" aimed at destroying Serbia.<ref>{{cite news |title=Calls in Serbia for independent investigation into claims of a sonic device attack at peaceful rally |url=https://apnews.com/article/serbia-sonic-device-protest-vucic-e5a6f8c2aad995764c424a6f0d619887 |access-date=21 March 2025 |work=AP News |date=17 March 2025 |language=en |quote=Serbia’s authoritarian and pro-Russian President Aleksandar Vucic again on Monday denied that the crowd-control device was deployed, calling it a “wicked lie” aimed at “destroying Serbia.” [...] Vucic, who says that the university students-led protests are part of a Western ploy to topple him from power, has warned that all those who spread disinformation will be held accountable in courts. }}</ref>

===Singapore===
LRAD is used by the Singapore Changi Airport to disperse birds and wildlife from runways.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/women/changi-airport-wildlife-expert-job-bird-strikes-plane-325176|title=She's preventing wildlife from hitting planes at Changi Airport: 'There are surprises every day'|author=Sharon Salim|date=5 August 2022|website=ChannelNewsAsia.com}}</ref>

===Spain===
Local police in Leganés, Spain used a vehicle-mounted LRAD to deliver alerts and notifications to residents during the country-wide COVID-19 lockdown. According to Citizen Security, Communication and local government spokesman, Oscar Oliveira, "Because the acoustic device can be heard inside of houses, we can inform older residents with mobility issues that all municipal resources are available through the Citizen Attention Service by calling 010."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telemadrid.es/coronavirus-covid-19/Policia-Leganes-mensajes-vecinos-altavoz-2-2214698512--20200319121909.html|title=La Policía de Leganés lanza mensajes de voz a sus vecinos con un super altavoz|author=TeleMadrid|date=19 March 2020|website=telemadrid.es}}</ref>

===United Kingdom===
It was confirmed by the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] on May 11, 2012, that an LRAD would be deployed in London during the [[2012 Summer Olympic Games]]. It was spotted fixed to a landing craft on the [[River Thames]].<ref>{{cite news |title='Sonic weapon' deployed in London during Olympics |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-18042528 |work=[[BBC News]] |access-date=11 May 2012 |date=12 May 2012}}</ref>

===United States===
[[File:Long Range Acoustic Device 500X in New York City.jpg|thumb|An NYPD officer stands ready with the LRAD 500X at an [[Occupy Wall Street]] protest on November 17, 2011, near the city hall.]]

<!-- New York -->An LRAD was present, but not used, during [[2004 Republican National Convention protest activity|protests]] of the [[2004 Republican National Convention]] in [[New York City]].<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=August 24, 2004 |title=RNC to Feature Unusual Forms of Sound |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=99472&page=1 |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref>{{citation needed|reason=Micah White, founder of Occupy, claims that LRAD *was* used, in his book, The End of Protest|date=May 2016}} LRAD was present and used when the New York City Police department raided and destroyed the [[Occupy Wall Street]] encampment from [[Zuccotti Park]] to disrupt and disperse the crowd before arresting or ejecting them on the morning of 15 November 2011.<ref name="nycoccupy">{{cite news |date=18 November 2011 |title=Occupy Wall Street: Police use military megaphone to amplify their point to protesters |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/occupy-wall-street-police-military-megaphone-amplify-point-protesters-article-1.979585 |access-date=15 February 2015 |work=[[Daily News (New York)|New York Daily News]] |location=New York}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Whalen |first1=Matthew Vernon |title=A People's Librarian (Part Two) with Aeliana Boyer |url=https://hardtimesreview.com/2021/08/02/a-peoples-librarian-part-two-with-aeliana-boyer/ |access-date=15 April 2022 |website=The Hard Times Review |publisher=Hard Times Review}}</ref> On December 5, 2014, the [[NYPD]] utilized an LRAD, notifying approximately 100 protestors to disperse, during the protest of the police killing of [[Eric Garner]] in Midtown Manhattan.<ref>{{cite web |title=Video: NYPD Uses Military-Grade Sonic Weapon on Eric Garner Protesters |url=http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/video-nypd-uses-military-grade-sonic-weapon-eric-garner-protesters |website=Alternet.org}}</ref> The NYPD used a Long Range Acoustic Device during the Baltimore solidarity rally in Union Square on April 29, 2015. An NYPD pickup truck equipped with an LRAD parked near protesters and broadcast a looped warning message about staying off the streets and not blocking the sidewalks.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ996JYzFME |title=NYPD LRAD warning message for protesters 4.29.15 |date=29 April 2015 |publisher=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/IQ996JYzFME |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Rochester NY police used verbal warnings and an LRAD to help disperse disorderly crowds during the August 2019 Puerto Rican Festival.<ref>{{cite web |author=WROC Staff |date=19 August 2019 |title=Dozens arrested after Puerto Rican Festival |url=https://www.rochesterfirst.com/news/local-news/dozens-arrested-after-puerto-rican-festival/ |website=RochesterFirst.com}}</ref> Rochester, NY police used a Long Range Acoustic Device to make announcements to protesters that they were unlawfully in the roadway and obstructing traffic on September 12, 2020. The device was also used at the September 16, 2020 protest in front of Rochester city hall.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Staff reports |title=Police use 'sound cannon' at Rochester protest; RPD says officers were hit with bottles, eggs |url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2020/09/12/protests-rochester-ny-daniel-prude-11-straight-days-free-the-people-roc/5782445002/ |access-date=2025-04-09 |website=Democrat and Chronicle |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Protesters arrested outside Rochester City Hall as police break up occupation |url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2020/09/16/rochester-ny-protest-blm-daniel-prude-demonstrations-september-16/5814241002/ |website=DemocratandChronicle.com}}</ref>

<!-- Washington D.C. -->The [[Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia|Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department]] used a LRAD at the January 21, [[2017 Women's March]].<ref>{{cite web |date=20 November 2017 |title=Records show D.C. Police used an LRAD sound cannon to "direct crowd flow" during the Women's March |url=https://www.muckrock.com/news/archives/2017/nov/20/dc-lrad/ |website=Muckrock.com}}</ref> Protesters at the June 1, 2020 Washington, D.C. George Floyd protests said police gave little or no warning before employing aggressive tactics against them. A 2015 settlement requires federal police to give large crowds several loud dispersal orders before deploying chemical irritants and other dispersion tools. Using an LRAD to issue loud protest dispersal orders would have complied with the 2015 settlement requirement.<ref>{{cite news |author=Savannah Behrmann |date=September 17, 2020 |title=National Guard major: Military police asked about using 'heat ray' against DC protesters |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/09/17/military-police-heat-ray-against-d-c-protesters-congressional-letter/3476175001/ |website=usatoday.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Protesters Were Supposed To Hear Warnings Before Federal Police Moved In. They Didn't |url=https://www.npr.org/2020/09/11/911912921/protesters-were-supposed-to-hear-warnings-before-federal-police-moved-in-they-di |website=NPR}}</ref> In September 2020, it was revealed that federal officials had explored the use of the device and the [[Active Denial System]] ("heat ray") to disperse [[George Floyd protests in Washington, D.C.|civilians protesting outside the White House in June of that year]], but had been advised that the [[National Guard]] was not currently in possession of either device.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 17, 2020 |title=US military police 'sought use of heat ray' to disperse White House protesters |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/17/us-military-police-heat-ray-blm-protesters-white-house-protesters |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>

<!-- California -->LRAD was reportedly used<ref>{{cite news |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=25 October 2011 |title=Occupy Oakland's Tent City Is Gone |url=http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2011/10/occupy-oaklands-tent-city-gone/44092/ |access-date=26 October 2011 |newspaper=[[The Atlantic Wire]]}}</ref> by the Oakland Police Department during the clearance of the [[Occupy Oakland]] encampment on the morning of 25 October 2011. Police in San Diego, California, used an LRAD on May 27, 2016, to order anti-Trump protesters to disperse.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 May 2016 |title=Police order anti Trump protesters to disperse |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpPdZUeaCok |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/IpPdZUeaCok |archive-date=2021-12-21 |publisher=[[Breitbart News]] |via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The Mendocino County (California) Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of a Long Range Acoustic Device for the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office on April 18, 2017. Sheriff Tom Allman said the device would aid in searches for missing persons, most often hunters and mushroom pickers, which cost the county tens of thousands of dollars. He said the LRAD might have made the intense 2011 manhunt for Aaron Bassler a little easier, and that it could be used to warn of a tsunami. MCSO found LRAD useful out of a low-flying plane, and it could help in a barricaded-person situation to communicate from the outside of the building.<ref>{{cite news |author=Ashley Tressel |date=18 April 2017 |title=New loudspeaker ensures MCSO will be heard loud and clear |url=http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/general-news/20170418/new-loudspeaker-ensures-mcso-will-be-heard-loud-and-clear/ |newspaper=[[Ukiah Daily Journal]]}}</ref>

<!-- North Carolina -->The Greensboro, North Carolina Police Department (GPD) purchased an LRAD 300X and demonstrated it for reporters in November 2015. Jonathan Franks, a GPD captain, said that it could be used for alerts for everything from riots to missing children to weather disasters, and that it could save lives in some cases.<ref>{{cite web |author=Benjamin F. Powell |date=5 November 2015 |title=GDP: New Long Range Audio Technology Could Save Lives |url=http://www.wfmynews2.com/story/news/2015/11/05/gpd-new-long-range-audio-technology-could-save-lives/75247202/ |website=Wfmynews2.com}}</ref> The Charlotte-Mecklenburg, North Carolina Police Department Crisis Intervention Team and SWAT negotiators used a long-range acoustic device to talk a man down from an energized electrical tower.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-09 |title=CMPD Negotiators Helped Individual Who Climbed Electrical Tower |url=https://charlottenc.gov/newsroom/releases/Pages/--CMPD-Negotiators-Helped-Induvial-Who-Climbed-Electrical-Tower----Charlotte,-N-C--%E2%80%93-(Sunday,-January-9,-2021)-%E2%80%93-Officers-w.aspx |access-date=2022-01-09 |website=charlottenc.gov |language=en}}</ref>

<!-- Arizona -->The Phoenix, Arizona city council approved the purchase of two LRAD 500X systems in November 2018 "to give clear and concise messages to groups of people whenever we find it necessary".<ref>{{cite web |date=10 November 201 |title=Phoenix police pick up approval, $95K for long-range, crowd-control speakers |url=http://ktar.com/story/2300357/phoenix-police-pick-up-approval-95k-for-long-range-crowd-control-speakers/ |website=Ktar.com}}</ref> Police utilized a Long Range Acoustic device to declare an unlawful assembly in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, on May 28, 2020, during the [[George Floyd protests]]. Multiple announcements were made in English and Spanish.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 29, 2020 |title=Protest in Phoenix over death of George Floyd ends in arrests, property damage |url=https://yourvalley.net/stories/protest-phoenix-over-death-man-minnesota-ends-arrests-property-damage,161847 |website=YourValley.net}}</ref>

<!-- Maryland -->The Salisbury, Maryland Police Department acquired an LRAD in October 2013 with proceeds from their speed cameras.<ref>{{cite web |author=Bill Mich |date=8 October 2013 |title=Salisbury Police Utilizing New LRAD System |url=http://www.wboc.com/story/23639955/salisbury-police-utlizing-new-lrad-system |website=Wboc.com}}</ref> On February 17, 2017, the Princess Anne Police Department deployed its LRAD system at the request of the Maryland State Police to disperse an unruly concert crowd on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.<ref>{{cite web |author=Henry Culvyhouse |date=17 February 2017 |title=UMES concert canceled due to unruly crowd |url=http://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2017/02/17/fight-cancels-concert/98052744/ |website=Delmarvanow.com}}</ref>

<!-- Ohio -->The [[Columbus Division of Police|Columbus, Ohio Police Department (CPD)]] demonstrated a Long Range Acoustic Device to the local media on November 21, 2016. CPD expects to use the device for crowd control, barricaded suspect operations, and to communicate to residents during emergencies and natural disasters.<ref>{{cite web |author=Ted Hart |date=21 November 2016 |title=CPD demonstrates new crowd control device |url=http://nbc4i.com/2016/11/21/cpd-demonstrates-new-crowd-control-device/ |website=Nbc4i.com}}</ref> The Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department purchased Long Range Acoustic Devices to improve the department's ability to issue dispersal orders clearly over long distances. The purchases resulted from the department's after-action report of the May 30, 2020 riot in downtown Cleveland, Ohio.<ref>{{cite web |author=Julia Tullos |date=September 22, 2020 |title=Cuyahoga County Sheriff makes changes after May 30 riot in Downtown Cleveland |url=https://www.cleveland19.com/2020/09/22/cuyahoga-county-sheriff-makes-changes-after-may-riot-downtown-cleveland/ |website=Cleveland19.com}}</ref>

<!-- Washington state -->The [[Seattle Police Department]] in Washington purchased an LRAD in response to claims that it did not adequately communicate orders to demonstrators during the summer 2020 protests.<ref>{{Cite web| title=Long Range Acoustic Device | url=https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/OPA/ManagementAction/2020OPA-0741_2021COMP-0032_MAR_06-09-21.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711194438/https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/OPA/ManagementAction/2020OPA-0741_2021COMP-0032_MAR_06-09-21.pdf | archive-date=2021-07-11}}</ref> SPD's use of its LRAD was alleged to have caused ear damage to a peaceful demonstrator, although an internal SPD review deemed the allegations to be unsustained.<ref>{{Cite report |url=https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/OPA/ClosedCaseSummaries/2020OPA-0741ccs053121.pdf |title=Closed Case Summary: Allegations of Misconduct & Director's Findings |last=MYERBERG |first=ANDREW |date=31 May 2021 |publisher=Seattle Office of Police Accountability |id=2020OPA-0741}}</ref> After receiving feedback from protesters who said commands from on-scene officers were not clear or loud enough, the Seattle, Washington mayor's office recommended purchasing an LRAD.<ref>{{cite web |author=Jonathan Choe |date=November 5, 2020 |title=Use of LRAD speaker by Seattle police for crowd control spurs questions, concern |url=https://komonews.com/news/local/new-non-lethal-crowd-control-tool-seen-at-seattle-protest |website=komonews.com/}}</ref>

LRADs were used by the Pittsburgh PD in Pennsylvania during protests at the G20 Summit in September 2009. This was the first time the LRAD was used during a protest in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/25/us/25pittsburgh.html |title=Protesters Are Met by Tear Gas at G-20 Conference |first=Ian |last=Urbina |date=24 September 2009 |access-date=26 June 2019 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/thetwos#play/uploads/7/0SwBU1DOO_Q |title=thetwos |publisher=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

LRAD was deployed during a march against [[NATO]]'s actions and policies in Chicago, Illinois on May 20, 2012, at Michigan Ave. & Cermack.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/nato-chicago-2012-151998815.html |title=As it Happens: NATO in Chicago |publisher=NBC Chicago|date=15 June 2012}}</ref>

St. Louis County police used LRAD during protests surrounding the [[Shooting of Michael Brown|police shooting of Michael Brown]] in [[Ferguson, Missouri]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/st-louis-alderman-says-police-pulled-him-out-of-car/article_0806541b-ed48-5d06-9267-323531ad6cf1.html|title=DAY FIVE WRAPUP: McCulloch blasts Nixon for replacing St. Louis County Police control|date=August 14, 2014|periodical=St. Louis Post-Dispatch}}</ref>

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina police obtained two LRAD systems through a federal grant in March 2015. Myrtle Beach police captain Marty Brown told the Myrtle Beach city council that "his department is getting the LRADs to enhance their communication capabilities be it with large crowds or for emergency announcements such as evacuation orders."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.myhorrynews.com/news/crime/bikefest/article_52ebdf98-ce44-11e4-858a-578602e5b8cc.html|title=Myrtle Beach police going high-tech for Bikefest|author=Tom O'Dare|date=19 March 2015|website=Myhorrynews.com}}</ref>

The New Jersey State Police used an armored-vehicle-mounted LRAD to communicate with crowds denied entry to a June 7, 2015 concert after they began throwing bottles and tried to rush the gates outside MetLife Stadium.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2015/06/police-deploy-tear-gas-on-crowds-outside-hot-97-summer-jam|title=Police Deploy Tear Gas on Crowds Outside of Hot 97's Summer Jam - Complex|author=Justin Davis|website=Complex.com}}</ref>

Police from several agencies, including North Dakota state troopers, the National Guard, and other law enforcement agencies from surrounding counties and states deployed two LRADs to clear a protest camp and blockades along Highway 1806. "Long Range Acoustic Devices, which emit an ear-splitting whine, were used intermittently throughout the day" one reporter wrote.<ref>{{cite web|last=Enzinna|first=Wes|title=I Witnessed Cops Using Tear Gas, Rubber Bullets, and Sound Cannons Against Anti-Pipeline Protesters| url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/10/standing-rock-protests-pipeline-police-tasers-teargas|website=Motherjones|date=31 October 2016}}</ref> An LRAD was present again on November 20, 2016, at the bridge just north of the protesters camp on highway 1806.{{citation needed|date=November 2016}}

During the same period, the LRAD was used at a protest in front of the Arkansas State Capitol.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/lenarazzak/status/1268650920914620420|title=Video of protest with LRAD use|website=Twitter.com|access-date=4 June 2020}}</ref>

The [[Portland Police Bureau]] in Oregon used a vehicle-mounted LRAD during the [[George Floyd protests in Portland, Oregon|protests there]] following the [[murder of George Floyd]] on June 4, 2020, and on other occasions during the protests.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2020/06/portland-mayor-ted-wheeler-to-hold-news-conference-addressing-continued-protests-watch-live.html|title=Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler holding news conference about continued protests: Watch live|date=5 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Police Use Acoustic Device On Crowd |url=https://1190kex.iheart.com/content/2020-06-05-police-use-acoustic-device-on-crowd/?mid=410282&rid=61729961&sc=email&pname=newsletter&cid=kex-am&keyid=Local%20iHeart%20Daily%20(NewsTalk)&campid=headline1_readmore |website=1190 KEX Radio |publisher=iHeart Media |access-date=6 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/what-is-lrad-ppb-explain-their-sonic-tone-device/|title=What is LRAD? PPB explain their 'sonic tone' device/ |website=KOIN.com|date=6 June 2020 }}</ref>

A [[Lenco BearCat|BearCat]]-mounted LRAD was used to emit voice messages and high-pitched sirens in [[Kenosha, Wisconsin]] on August 24, 2020, in front of the Kenosha County Courthouse to disperse crowds assembled in Civic Center Park as part of the [[Jacob Blake protests]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Elijah|first=Koerri|date=August 24, 2020|title=Livestream of 24 August 2020 Jacob Blake Protests|url=https://www.facebook.com/KoerriElijah/videos/2771052506516169|access-date=August 25, 2020|website=Facebook|at=Timestamp 2:06:56}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=August 24, 2020|title=Scenes from Kenosha after shooting of Jacob Blake|url=https://www.facebook.com/7938522410/videos/1093022157761632/|access-date=August 25, 2020|website=Facebook|at=Timestamp 0:37:55}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Julio_Rosas11/status/1298461448730021888?s=20|title=Kenosha Courthouse Protest|website=Twitter.com|access-date=26 August 2020}}</ref>

On March 6, 2021, the Boulder Police Department used a toned warble noise from an LRAD in an effort to disperse a crowd of up to 800 students from the [[University of Colorado Boulder]]. The University Hill Incident occurred when code enforcement and members of Boulder Police's Neighborhood Impact Team were unable to disperse partygoers who were congregating against Boulders public health order. LRAD was used after students and other partygoers began throwing rocks at SWAT vehicles and officers.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://bouldercolorado.gov/police/university-hill-disturbance-update|title= University Hill Disturbance Update|publisher= Boulder Police Department|access-date= April 15, 2021|archive-date= April 16, 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210416085302/https://bouldercolorado.gov/police/university-hill-disturbance-update|url-status= dead}}</ref>

On April 12, 2021, the Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Police Department deployed a vehicle mounted LRAD outside of its headquarters to announce curfew violations and dispersal orders to a large crowd protesting the death of Daunte Wright.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mehabe.com/2021/04/13/just-in-long-range-acoustic-device-lrad-deployed-in-front-of-blm-crowd-at-brooklyn-center-mn/|title=Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) deployed in front of #BLM crowd at Brooklyn Center, MN |date=13 April 2021 |publisher=mehabe.com/}}</ref>

On July 3, 2021, Massachusetts State Police utilized an LRAD to secure a group{{Clarify|date=July 2022|reason=how?}} of 11 suspects involved in the [[Sovereign Citizen movement]]. The group identified themselves as part of the "Rise of the Moors" movement, or "Moorish Americans". The self styled militia group was traveling between Rhode Island and Maine when an MSP trooper came across their convoy refueling. The group had multiple firearms in their possession, and admitted to not having proper carrying requirements. Several fled into the surrounding forest, at which point the LRAD was deployed. The group was taken into custody without further incident.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-13|title=Wakefield police used sonic blast, a high-pitch alarm, to incapacitate Rise of the Moors suspects|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2021/07/wakefield-police-used-sonic-blast-a-high-pitch-alarm-to-temporarily-disable-armed-rise-of-the-moors-suspects-chief-says.html|access-date=2021-07-13|website=masslive|language=en}}</ref>

The Oklahoma County, Oklahoma Sheriff's Office Tactical Team used a vehicle-mounted LRAD on November 22, 2021, to serve a search warrant on a residence suspected of being used for drug trafficking.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-11-23|title=Oklahoma neighborhood left dazed after early morning drug raid ends in multiple arrests|url=https://kfor.com/news/local/oklahoma-neighborhood-left-dazed-after-early-morning-drug-raid-ends-in-multiple-arrests/|access-date=2021-07-13|website=kfor|language=en}}</ref>

==Mass notification==
===Australia===
Genasys has supplied its NEWS mass notification service in Australia since 2013, when it partnered with [[Nokia]] to deliver emergency notifications via [[SMS]], following the disastrous consequences of the [[Black Saturday bushfires]] in 2009.<ref name=apac/>

=== Germany ===
In the first half of 2020, Bad Homburg's fire brigade and city police used an LRAD 100X system more than 60 times to deliver COVID-19 information.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.feuerwehrmagazin.de/dm-native-advert/lrad-100x-flexibel-kraftvoll-und-hoechste-verstaendlichkeit|title=LRAD 100X, flexibel, kraftvoll und höchste Verständlichkeit|author=FM-Mediaservice|date=6 November 2020|website=feuerwehrmagazin.de}}</ref>

===United States===
Menlo Park and Atherton, California police and fire officials attended a 'sound off' between a siren installation and an LRAD 360XT mobile voice mass notification system in April 2018. "The side by side test was very helpful and everyone agreed that the LRAD system completely outperformed the older siren system," said Fire District Emergency Manager Ryan Zollicoffer. "Not only because of the voice capability, but the modular-mobility benefit is something that appeals to first responders because it can be used for a variety of public safety purposes and better moved around if that's needed or desired."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://patch.com/california/millbrae/s/gel5e/siren-vs-voice-mass-evacuation-systems-tested|title=Siren vs. Voice: Mass-Evacuation Systems Tested|author=Susan C. Schena|date=20 April 2018|work=Menlo Park-Atherton, CA Patch}}</ref>

The Menlo Park Fire District demonstrated its Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) community notification system on April 18, 2019. The fire district also showed how the ShakeAlert system could eventually be tied together with its LRAD to provide area wide audible alerts for earthquake, flood, fire and other emergencies.  "ShakeAlert will notify and protect our Station firefighters, but we also believe coupled with the LRAD public address system, it can help to bridge the 'notification gap' as another important public safety tool and option for community early warning messaging for earthquakes as well as for fire and flooding information and evacuation signaling," said Fire Chief Harold Schapelhouman.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://inmenlo.com/2019/04/18/menlo-park-fire-demonstrates-early-warning-system-for-earthquakes-and-other-natural-disasters/|title=Menlo Park Fire demonstrates early warning system for earthquakes and other natural disasters|author=CONTRIBUTED CONTENT|date=18 April 2019|website=inmenlo.com/}}</ref>

The City of Laguna Beach, California, installed LRAD speaker sirens in 2018. The systems alert the downtown and Main Beach areas during an emergency where the public needs to take immediate action.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lagunabeachcity.net/news/displaynews.htm?NewsID=1678&TargetID=4|title=Tsunami Awareness Week 2018|website=lagunabeachcity.net}}</ref>

In June 2019, Mill Valley, California, became the first city in the Bay Area to replace its sirens with LRAD community notification systems. The combined siren loudspeakers receive emergency messages via satellite and have backup batteries if the power fails.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abc7news.com/its-loud-mill-valley-installs-new-emergency-warning-system/5367234/|title='It's loud!' Mill Valley installs new emergency warning system|author=Cornell Barnard|date=27 June 2019|website=abc7news.com/}}</ref>

The Mill Valley Fire Department began testing its city's new LRAD installations on June 27, 2019. LRAD systems project both siren and voice recordings to alert and inform community members during large-scale disasters. The Long Range Acoustic Devices replaced siren-only systems in five Mill Valley, California locations. "We believe that the purchase and installation of LRAD goes a long way to improve the resiliency and redundancy of our communication systems," Mill Valley Fire Chief Tom Welch said. "LRAD systems are highly effective in communicating warnings, instructions, and notifications throughout incident sites and over vast areas during life-threatening events."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://patch.com/california/millvalley/mill-valley-test-new-emergency-sirens|title=Mill Valley To Test New Emergency Sirens|author=Kristina Houck|date=27 June 2019|website=patch.com/}}</ref>

The City of Newport Beach plans to spend $200,000 to replace three rusty tsunami warning sirens on the Balboa Peninsula with LRAD siren/public address systems. The LRAD systems are expected to be installed by the end of 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2019-08-20/newport-beach-to-replace-rusty-tsunami-warning-sirens|title=Newport Beach to replace rusty tsunami warning sirens|author=Hillary Davis|date=20 August 2019|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref>

In October 2020, Laguna Beach, California, tested its expanded outdoor warning system of 13 Long Range Acoustic Devices mounted on buildings throughout the city.  The solar-powered devices broadcast recorded evacuation messages in case cell service is disabled during a disaster.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lagunabeachindy.com/laguna-beach-wildfire-mitigation-plan-still-a-work-in-progress/|title=Laguna Beach's wildfire mitigation plan still a work in progress|author=Daniel Langhorne|date=30 October 2020|website=lagunabeachindy.com/}}</ref>

Seven new LRAD emergency siren systems are scheduled for installation in southern Marin County in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.marinij.com/2022/01/22/southern-marin-disaster-sirens-to-be-replaced/|title=Southern Marin disaster sirens to be replaced|author=Giuseppe Ricapito|date=22 January 2022|website=marinij.com/}}</ref>

The Berkeley, California city council approved the installation of a Genasys outdoor warning system to alert residents of fires, earthquakes, tsunamis and other disasters. The system is capable of running on solar-powered battery backup and being controlled remotely via satellite.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.berkeleyside.org/2022/06/27/berkeley-outdoor-warning-sirens-emergencies/|title=Here's where Berkeley's first 5 speaking emergency sirens will be installed|author=Iris Kwok|date=27 June 2022|website=berkeleyside.org/}}</ref>

Public safety officials in Berkeley, California unveiled the city's new Genasys emergency warning network during the September 17, 2023 Fire Ready Fest. Ten systems that broadcast both sirens and voice messages have been installed on buildings throughout Berkeley to provide another layer of reaching residents and visitors in the event of serious emergencies. Five more systems are projected to be installed by early 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/news/new-siren-will-signal-emergency-need-seek-information|title=New siren will signal an emergency, need to seek information|author=City of Berkeley|date=31 August 2023|website=berkeleyca.gov/}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/berkeley-new-outdoor-warning-system/3320012/|title=Berkeley tests out new emergency sirens|author=Christine Smith|date=17 September 2023|website=nbcbayarea.com/}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/berkeley-unveils-siren-system-at-fire-ready-festival/|title=Berkeley unveils siren system at Fire Ready Festival|author=John Ramos|date=17 September 2023|website=cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/}}</ref>

==High seas anti-piracy==
[[File:LRAD.JPG|thumb|right|LRAD on {{RMS|Queen Mary 2}}]]
On November 5, 2005, the luxury cruise ship ''[[Seabourn Spirit]]'' employed an LRAD to repel [[pirate]]s who attacked the vessel with [[rocket-propelled grenade]]s about {{convert|115|km}} off the coast of [[Somalia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6664677.stm|title=I beat pirates with a hose and sonic cannon |date=May 17, 2007|website=[[BBC News]] }}</ref> The effectiveness of this device during the attack is not completely clear, but the pirates did not succeed in boarding the vessel and eventually fled.

The Liberian-flagged vessel {{MV|Biscaglia}} was attacked on November 28, 2008. The security detachment aboard ''Biscaglia'' was reported to have used an LRAD device in an effort to repel attackers armed with [[assault rifle]]s and rocket-propelled grenades. Following a one-sided shootout, the ship was seized and the unarmed security contractors abandoned ship leaving the ship and crew to the pirates.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article5253731.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805121624/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article5253731.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 5, 2011 |title=Login |website=Timesonline.co.uk}}</ref> The incident caused the usefulness of LRADs to be called into question by ''[[Lloyd's List]]''.<ref name=LL120208>David Osler, (2 December 2008). [http://www.lloydslist.com/ll/sector/piracy-and-security/article48918.ece "Sonic solution may not be a sound investment"], ''Lloyd's List''. London: Informa. Retrieved 13 April 2011.</ref> The security detachment's reported use of LRAD is not completely clear as ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' makes no mention of LRAD being used during the incident.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123335651246634995|title=Hijacked on the High Seas|author=Geeta Anand and John W. Miller|date=31 January 2009|website=wsj.com}}</ref>

In January 2011, the ''Spirit of Adventure'', a cruise ship sailing through the [[Indian Ocean]], deployed an LRAD system as part of its defensive measures when being pursued by pirates.<ref name=Sloan2011>{{cite news |url=http://travel.usatoday.com/cruises/post/2011/01/pirate-cruise-ship-spirit-adventure-indian-ocean-saga/138838/1 |last=Sloan |first=Gene |title=Cruise ship blasted pirates with sonic wave |work=USA Today |date=January 17, 2011 |access-date=July 17, 2011}}</ref>

S/Y Hideaway used an LRAD in 2016 to deter suspected pirates in the [[Gulf of Aden]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/bc289e2b#/bc289e2b/55|title=Standoff|author=William Bruton|date=February 2017|website=Dockwalk.com}}</ref>

==Major users==
* {{flag|Algeria}}: Used for the first time in April 2019 during the pacific walk against Bouteflika on the Algerian population<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-04-11 |title=Utilisés par la police à Alger, les canons à son, des armes « potentiellement mortelles » |url=https://www.tsa-algerie.dz/utilises-par-la-police-a-alger-les-canons-a-son-des-armes-potentiellement-mortelles/ |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=TSA |language=fr}}</ref>
* {{flag|Australia}}: [[Victoria Police]], the [[Western Australian Police]], the [[South Australia Police]], the [[Queensland Police Service]] and the [[Australian Federal Police]] have confirmed they have purchased the devices.<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lawreport/australian-police-buy-up-on-sound-weapons/7419408/ Australian police authorities buying up sound weapons], ''The Law Report'', ABC Radio, May 17, 2016</ref>
* {{flag|Azerbaijan}}: Azerbaijan police<ref>[https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/03/this-pain-inducing-acoustic-device-used-to-control-crowds-in-azerbaijan-might-be-us-made/274036/ This Pain-Inducing Acoustic Device Used to Control Crowds in Azerbaijan Might Be U.S.-Made], The Atlantic, March 14, 2013</ref>
* {{flag|Brazil}}
* {{flag|Canada}}: Multiple police departments<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/montreal/201405/22/01-4768807-la-police-de-montreal-se-dote-de-canons-a-son.php|title=La police de Montréal se dote de canons à son|work=La Presse|date=22 May 2014 |last1=Sioui |first1=Marie-Michèle }}</ref>
* {{flag|China}}: [[China Coast Guard]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/12/09/23/ph-slams-chinese-water-cannon-lrad-attacks-on-bfar-vessels|title=PH slams Chinese water cannon, LRAD attacks on BFAR vessels|date=Dec 9, 2023}}</ref>
* {{flag|Czech Republic}}: Used first time on March 18, 2017, by the [[Police of the Czech Republic]]<ref>[http://www.denik.cz/z_domova/premiera-akusticke-zbrane-v-opave-sef-policie-odvedli-jsme-excelentni-praci-20170319.html Premiéra akustické zbraně v Opavě. Šéf policie: Odvedli jsme excelentní práci], Deník.cz (in Czech), March 19, 2017</ref>
* {{flag|Georgia}}
* {{flag|Greece}}
* {{flag|Honduras}}
* {{flag|Hong Kong}}: [[Police Tactical Unit (Hong Kong)|Police Tactical Unit]] and Police Negotiation Cadre (PNC) of the [[Hong Kong Police Force]]
* {{flag|India}}: [[Delhi Police]]
* {{flag|Israel}}: [[Ministry of Defense (Israel)|Ministry of Defense]], [[Israel Police]]
* {{flag|Japan}}
* {{flag|New Zealand}}: [[New Zealand Police]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Revealed: Police used sound cannons against Parliament protesters |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/revealed-police-used-sound-cannons-against-parliament-protesters/PIBFZEHRIOEADS7SK4Y4SWM464/ |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Francis |first=Oscar |date=2022-06-29 |title=Sound cannons deployed for first time at protest |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/sound-cannons-deployed-first-time-protest |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=[[Otago Daily Times]] |language=en}}</ref>
* {{flag|Norway}}: [[Royal Norwegian Navy|Norwegian Navy]] onboard [[Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate]]s
* {{flag|Philippines}}: [[Philippine National Police]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph//article/404812/Business/Riot-police-level-up-defense-with-sonic-weapon|title=Riot police level up defense with sonic weapon|first=Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo and Keith|last=Calayag|date=14 November 2017|website=Sunstar|access-date=26 June 2019}}</ref> [[Philippine Coast Guard]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/MaxDefense/posts/827521567418502 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/117625771741422/827521567418502 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=MaxDefense Philippines|website=Facebook.com|access-date=26 June 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* {{flag|Poland}}: [[Polish Police]] (acquired, but legal reasons were preventing its usage)
* {{flag|Romania}}: Used first time on June 7, 2015, by [[Gendarmerie (Romania)|Jandarmeria Română]]
* {{flag|Singapore}}: Used by the [[Singapore Armed Forces]]
* {{flag|South Africa}}: Used by the [[South African Police Service]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=CSIR confirms legality of using LRAD units |url=https://ewn.co.za/2016/09/01/CSIR-confirms-legality-of-using-LRAD |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118031652/https://ewn.co.za/2016/09/01/CSIR-confirms-legality-of-using-LRAD |archive-date=2023-01-18}}</ref>
* {{flag|Spain}}: Reported use by [[Mossos d'Esquadra|Catalan Police]]<ref>[=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Centenares-personas-recorren-Madrid-Gamonal_0_219078935.html El Diario : News : Los mossos utilizan un cañón de sonido para dispersar a los manifestantes en Barcelona]</ref>
* {{flag|Sweden}}: [[Swedish Navy]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blogg.forsvarsmakten.se/operationatalanta/2013/04/27/mote-med-lokala-fiskare/|title=Möte med lokala fiskare – Operation Atalanta|website=blogg.forsvarsmakten.se|access-date=26 June 2019}}</ref>
* {{flag|Thailand}}
* {{flag|Turkey}}: Used by the [[Turkish Naval Forces]]
* {{flag|United Kingdom}}: [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]
* {{flag|United States}}: Multiple police departments and federal agencies, [[US Navy]], [[US Coast Guard]] and [[US Army]]
* {{flag|Vietnam}}: Being used on-board DN-2000-class ships of the [[Vietnam Coast Guard]]'s fleet.

==See also==
*[[Acoustics]]
*[[Megaphone]]
*[[Sonic weapon]]
*{{annotated link|Electronic harassment}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}

[[Category:Riot control weapons]]
[[Category:Non-lethal weapons]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2000s]]