UK Police Trials For SMU100 Anti-Riot Laser

A UK-based police force will soon be putting a new laser design through its paces in proof of concept trials.

These will involve a technology developed in Scotland that's intended to temporarily disable rioters and troublemakers by blinding them with a three-metre beamed wall of light.

The 2011 UK riots opened up a new requirement for advanced, anti-riot technologies, with current methods and their limitations coming under close scrutiny. The laser - produced by Photonic Security Systems and named the SMU100 - resembles systems already deployed in locations like Afghanistan, where British armed forces personnel have been using them as a form of convoy protection.

SMU100 Laser Police Trials

No information's been released on where the SMU100 laser police trials will take place, or in exactly whose hands they'll be tested, but they'll aim to establish that, once the blinding effect has passed, there's no risk of permanent eye damage. In that regard, medical professionals will also be involved in the trials and that's a reflection of the efforts being taken to ensure, if adopted by UK security forces, the SMU100 will be an effective but safe weapon.

In comments quoted by The Telegraph, a representative for the Home Office stated that scientists working at the Centre for Applied Science and Technology considered anti-riot laser use an idea with "merit" and confirmed that a minimum of one police force would be testing out the SMU100.

SMU100 Anti-Riot Laser

The SMU100 anti-riot laser has a 500-metre range, potentially allowing it to outperform the likes of CS gas and tasers, which work over a much more limited range.

Photonic Security Systems' Managing Director is Paul Kerr who, in a statement, described the "temporary blinding effect" produced by the laser. "If you can't see something then you can't attack it - it's as simple as that", he added.

Speaking directly to Security Technology News, Mr Kerr explained that the laser was essentially finished, bar the addition of cosmetic casing. "This casing has to live up to the harshest of environments so the casing must be perfect and - like the rest of the design - fit for purpose", he said.

Security Technology News will report further on the SMU100 laser police trials in future News coverage.

SMU100 laser image supplied by and copyright of Paul Kerr/Photonic Security Systems - reproduced with grateful thanks