Monday, November 20, 2006

Recently a 41 year old New South Wales (Australia) Senior Constable (police officer) running lidar (outside and away from his patrol car) on a freeway was killed by a 4 wheel drive vehicle. The tragic event caused local police to temporarily suspend running lidar (and radar) pending an investigation. School zones were an exception, police can (did) run radar/lidar in school speed zones.

Some suggested running lidar/radar on a highway is too dangerous (benefit/cost ratio too small) and should be completely stopped. Others recommended not operating radar/lidar in speed zones greater than 100 km/hr (62 mph).

As of this writing (due to the tragedy) police changed their Standard Operating Procedures to require officers operate radar/lidar from the patrol vehicle. Microwave police radar antennas can be operated or mounted (fixed systems) from inside or outside the patrol vehicle. Lidars should be operated in the clear, not from behind any obstruction such as glass (especially tinted and/or safety glass). Also see Radar FAQ.

CopRadar