Columbus, OH Police – Large Crowd Communications
Situation
After the Ohio State University football team defeated the University of Oregon for the national championship in January 2015, hundreds of rowdy fans poured out of bars and started to celebrate.
Problem
The celebrations quickly got out of control and officers of the Columbus, OH Police Department (CPD) used bullhorns and vehicle PA systems to warn the crowds to disperse.
The crowds refused to comply and CPD officers were forced to use tear gas and pepper spray to get them off the streets.
Many students and members of the media later complained they could not hear or understand the announcements and warnings made by police.
Solution
Using a Homeland Security grant, the CPD purchased an LRAD 450XL that broadcasts alerts, warnings and notifications up to 10X louder than most bullhorns and vehicle PA systems.
CPD now uses LRAD systems for crowd communications, SWAT operations, barricaded subjects, and communicating to citizens during emergencies.
“If we have a means of extending or expanding our level of communication with our citizens or suspects with LRAD, It’s obviously a win for us.”
Lt. Paul Ohl, Columbus, OH PD SWAT Commander
LRAD is the Communication System of Choice for law enforcement, public safety, and defense departments around the world.
Unlike bullhorns and vehicle PA systems that disperse sound in all directions, LRAD’s proprietary audio technology focuses sound in a 30° beam while substantially reducing sound levels behind the device and in surrounding areas.
Long Range Acoustic Devices are saving lives during everyday duties and escalated risk operations.
“LRAD is a game changer for communication between the police and the public. If we can effectively communicate, we reduce the chances of anybody getting hurt.”- Sgt. J.E. Armstrong, Greensboro, NC PD
“When you’re on Genasys Evertel you’re able to push out updates in real time. To me, that is the value proposition and is worth its weight in gold. It’s very cost effective for our team and city.” – Christopher Cook, Police Chief, White Settlement, TX
