RE: Laser Toys

[Bruce Bugg <BRUCEB@psc.state.ga.us>]

This issue has come up several times over the past months around the
country. Several police officers on various Police only lists have reported
having made felony stops or take-downs after being illuminated with a laser.
In most cases, these have turned out to be kids or "adults" playing. In once
case in Chicago, however, two officers were killed by an assaialnt with a
laser-sighted handgun.

In many cities and states, legislation has been introduced to restrict the
sale of laser devices and/or enact criminal penaties for intentionally
pointing one at another person. When laser pointers cost $100+, it wasn't
much of an issue. At less than $10 each, it's becoming one fast.

I know what my reaction is likely to be, if I find myself illuminated,
especially on-duty and in uniform.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Capt. Bruce Bugg
HazMat Specialist - Enforcement Officer
Ga. Public Service Commission
1007 Virginia Avenue, Suite 310
Hapeville, GA  30354-1325
voice:	404.559.6627
fax: 	404.559.4972
e-mail:	bruceb@psc.state.ga.us
or:	75720.1177@compuserve.com



> -----Original Message-----
> From:	William V Lipton [SMTP:liptonw@dteenergy.com]
> Sent:	Monday, August 16, 1999 12:26
> To:	Multiple recipients of list
> Subject:	Re: Laser Toys
> 
> This concern has been in the back of my mind for a while; many thanx for
> bringing
> it up.  Regardless of the disclaimers, they're marketed as toys.  In
> addition to
> the possibility of injuring someone's eyesight, they can also be mistaken
> for a
> gun sight.  A police officer, or any armed person for that matter, having
> one of
> these aimed at him would be reasonable in assuming he's been targeted, and
> acting
> accordingly.
> 
> I'm surprised that the manufacturers don't seem to be concerned about
> product
> liability.  A disclaimer doesn't mean much in the hands of a good lawyer
> (an
> oxymoron, but you know what I mean!).
> 
> The Health Physics Society may want to consider taking a position on this.
> 
> The opinions expressed are strictly mine.
> It's not about dose, it's about trust.
> 
> Bill Lipton
> liptonw@dteenergy.com
> 
> 
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