Policy Text
SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDERS
GO 580.17
Page 1 of 1
580.17
USE OF THE LONG RANGE ACOUSTIC DEVICE (LRAD)
1-17-23
PURPOSE
The purpose of this order is to establish guidelines for the deployment and use of the LRAD – Long
Range Acoustic Device.
POLICY
It shall be the policy of the Sacramento Police Department to deploy and use the LRAD to maximize
the safety of all individuals involved in an incident.
PROCEDURE
A. DEFINITION
Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) - A high -intensity directional acoustic array for long-range
crystal -clear hailing and notification. The LRAD is only authorized for use as a communication
device.
B. GENERAL
1. The LRAD shall only be used by officers trained in its deployment and used in a manner
consis tent with Department policy and training.
2. Officers shall document use of the LRAD as required by GO 410.06 – Use of Military
Equipment .
3. The LRAD warning tone shall not be used.
4. To ensure the LRAD is not damaged, it shall not be transported at speeds greater than 15
MPH when mounted on the outside of a vehicle .
C. COMMUNICATION
1. The LRAD may be used to issue dispersal orders during crowd and riot control situations or to
address the public in the event of :
a. Civil emergencies.
b. Natural disasters .
c. Evacuations.
d. Police incidents (e.g., missing persons, perimeters for wanted suspects/ K9 deployments ,
etc.)
2. The LRAD device may be used by police negotiators to initiate verbal contact with a subject
when other forms of communications are not practical.
Except as described in section C .2. above, a prerecorded message shall be used to make
announcements , when possible . When the use of a pre -recorded message is not possible or when
additional information is necessary, the LRAD’s handheld micropho ne or remote headset may be
used.