Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
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10.1 Special Operations
10.1.17 Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) (Revis ed: 12/22/22 )
A. Purpose and Scope
This policy establishe s guidelines and procedures for properly deploying the Long Range
Acoustic Device (LRAD).
B. Policy
It is the policy of the UCSF Police Department that a n LRAD be used with live or recorded
voice messages to communicate with the community during natural d isasters, crowd
management and control situations or when other forms of communication are ineffective
in communicating messages from police, fire or other University departments to resolve
situations where communicating with the public safely is paramount .
LRAD 100X is not designed or designated to be used as a weapon. Members of the
UCSF Police Department shall not use any LRAD system as a weapon.
C. Definitions
1. Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) : A high -intensity , directional , acoustical
array for long -range , clear hailing and notification . The LRAD is primarily a
communication device that can transmit live or prerecorded messages.
2. LRAD 100X : A self-contained, lightweight , compact , battery -powered LRAD used
by the Department to communicate with great in telligibility at a range of up to 600
meters. Unlike handheld bullhorn devices, the LRAD -100X emits acoustic sound
pressure levels up to 140 dB, resulting in clear, intelligible communications.
3. Decibels (dB) : A decibel is a unit for expressing the relative intensity of soun d, on
a scale rang ing from 0 dB to 194 dB. The threshold of audibility is at 0 dB, and the
threshold of physical pain for the human ear is a round 130 dB. These sound ratings
(dB) are measured one meter from the device. To understand the producible volume
level of the LRAD 100X in relation to normal sounds, see the table below:
20 dB Leaves rustling
60 dB Normal conversation
70 dB Busy street traffic
80 dB Vacuum cleaner
85 dB OSHA requires hearing protection
100 dB Large orchestra
105 dB Lawn mower
110 dB Front row of a rock concert
115 dB Limit of sound permitted in industry
130 dB Threshold of pain; deafening
135 dB LRAD 100 at max . volume
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
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140 dB Military jet takeoff (50 meters)
146 dB LRAD 500 at max. volume
160 dB Permanent hearing damage .
4. Alert Tone : A high-pitched, pulsating sound generated by the device, similar to a
car alarm.
5. ACGIH : American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists .
6. NIOSH : National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health .
7. OSHA : Occupational Safety and Health Administration .
D. Use Policy
1. Officers responding to an event or gathering that warrants law enforcement
involvement should carefully balance the right to free speech and expression with
practical public safety concerns before taking enforcement action. Officers are
encouraged to contact organizers or responsible persons to seek voluntary
compliance that may address relevant public safety /order concerns.
2. The LRAD shall not be used as a “sonic weapon” or method of pain compliance.
The LRAD shall only be used as a public address (PA) system to broadcast audible
notifications and warnings over distance . The LRAD should only be used at decibel
levels and frequ encies that are safe for the intended purpose and that are not
reasonably likely or intended to cause injury.
3. Department members may utilize the LRAD for the following :
a. Communicating life-saving information to residents during disasters
b. Communicat ing with large crowds during University events, parades,
festivals, concerts and sporting events
c. Traffic control management
d. Conducting Systemwide Response Team (SRT) operations
e. Communicat ing to protestors an d dispers ing crowds
f. Communicat ing during hostage and barricaded -subject situations
g. Servi ng high-risk search warrants
h. Communicat ing with suicidal persons when other methods of
communication are ineffective or impractical
i. Conducting search and rescue operations .
4. In a rapidly evolving event where there is a likelihood of serious injury or property
damage, trained personnel are only permitted to deploy the LRAD , for use as a
communication device , with supervisory approval. The scene supervisor shall
ensure that the Watch Commander or Incident Commander is notified of the
deployment as soon as practical.
E. Operation
1. The LRAD can play pre -recorded messages, work as a PA system or emit a high -
intensity tone. Personnel operating the LRAD should wear appropriate hearing
protection, whether located in front of or behind the unit.
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
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2. Authority to use the LRAD must be approved by the Watch Commander, Incident
Commander, Supervisor or designee. Only trained personnel are authorized to
operate the LRAD.
3. Never operate the L RAD -100X at maximum volume when personnel are within ten
meters of the front of the device or when the reflected distance between personnel
and an acoustically reflective object ( e.g., a building or wall)