The LRAD — that’s a Long Range Acoustical Device — is a tool for ships trying to ward off pirate attacks and for settings where the precise location of law enforcement can be a matter of potential international conflict. It gives people the opportunity to speak loudly and clearly and convey critical information or warnings across large distances.
Sometimes that’s to communicate critical information related to storms, evacuations or other big events. Other times, it’s not.
LRADs also have the ability to emit sounds at a decibel and frequency so unpleasant that it can set off the human instinct to flee, repel wildlife from airports and accomplish other tasks. In fact, it’s so effective that it’s become a go-to tool for crowd control, riot suppression and large-event security.
What does all that have to do with Cleveland and the Republican National Convention (and maybe even you)? Potentially, a lot.