Court ruling limits use of LRADs

June 25, 2010 The Court has acted in favour of The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) by ruling to limit the use of “sonic cannons” or Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs).

“We applaud this decision,” says OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “This ruling is an important step in ensuring that the demonstration on Saturday is a peaceful one.”

Toronto Police Services must now alter their use of LRADs to match the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Under the SOP, regulation of distance and decibels limit risk to hearing loss.

Procedures have been amended three times by Toronto Police Services since the hearings began.

Metro Police are required to inform all staff connected with LRAD use about the new required procedures in writing, and to confirm the directive in writing with the court. The legal proceeding challenged the planned use of LRADs as illegal and unconstitutional.

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