LRAD's To Be Used At Chicago NATO Summit

If you are going to be protesting at the NATO Summit this weekend in Chicago, then you better bring your earplugs. The Chicago Police Department plans to be using a couple of LRAD's over the weekend.

LRAD stands for Long Range Acoustic Device. Sound can be heard clearly from the device from a half mile away. The device also can sent out alarm tones for the purpose of dispersing crowds.

The police claim that they will only use the device for communication purposes. However, one cannot predict whether or not the alarm tones will have to be used or not. In 2009, Pittsburgh police dished out these same sort of statements, but they were forced to use the alarm tones.

Also, crowd control will determine whether or not Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel will receive a second term. If the crowd spills out of control like how it did in Pittsburgh in 2009, then he could kiss his dream job goodbye.

In other areas of Chicago, controlling crime has been a huge problem during his term. Chicago continues to be one of the most violent cities in the world. Last weekend, twenty-one people were wounded by gunfire. Violent crimes on the Lake Shore also has been up for the year. If White voters are not convinced that Mayor Emanuel can keep crime in Black and in Latino neighborhoods, then they won't re-elect. Therefore, crowd control this weekend is highly important.

Source: ABC News Chicago