46 Grasping the nettle: Ending Europe’s Trade in Execution and Torture Technology Other acoustic devices Although LRAD is currently the most widely deployed acoustic device by police forces, at least two European companies promote (and apparently manufacture) alternative acoustic devices which have been promoted for use by law enforcement personnel. The “police, customs and military equipment” section of the product catalogue for German company PKI Electronic Intelligence GmbH, includes the “Acoustic Warning Device”. The company material highlights the range of potential law enforcement and security applications of the device including, “riot control, maritime/perimeter security and counterterrorist hostage situations.”219 As well as facilitating communication to targets over distances, the material also states that, “This device immobilizes everyone approaching you nearer than 200 m. A directed audio signal with 80 dB attains absolute threshold of pain… At close range the device can be used to send an extremely uncomfortable ear-piercing noise to deter potential intruders or rioters…” According to the company information, the device has a “maximum continuous output” of “148 dB SPL at 1 meter.” 220 A second German company, Hugin Group International, manufactures and promotes the DistanceAcoustic Defence System, “Herbertzhorn”. The system can be configured as a mobile system and has been marketed for attachment to both military and police vehicles. According to the company’s marketing materials, the “Herbertzhorn” can fulfil a variety of functions including the, “cancelation, interruption and hindering of violent action sequences by…creating disorientation, confusion and distraction.” The “Herbertzhorn” can generate a “sound pressure level: up to 188 dB.”221 In addition a portable Herbertzhorn has been developed for application in “amok and hostage situations.”222 PKI’s “Acoustic Warning Device” and HGI’s “Herbertzhorn” raise some concerns as the sound levels produced by both apparently exceed the threshold of pain in humans (140dB) and are above the threshold for potential hearing damage (120dB).223 In addition to acoustic devices manufactured and/or promoted by EU companies, acoustic devices have also been marketed by non-EU companies to law enforcement agencies at EU arms and security exhibitions. For example the Israeli company, Tar Ideal, distributed materials promoting its “Acoustic Non Lethal System” at the Eurosatory 2014 exhibition held in Paris, France between 16-20 June 2014 (see above). Above: Image of “Acoustic Warning Device” taken from PKI brochure; Top right: image of “Acoustic Non Lethal System” taken from Tar Ideal brochure; Bottom right: image of “herbertzhorn” taken from HGI brochure. 219 PKI, Anti-Terror Equipment, Acoustic Warning Device, PKI 7430, http://www.pki-electronic.com/products/police-customs-and-militaryequipment/acoustic-warning-device/ (accessed 14 May 2015). 220 PKI, Anti-Terror Equipment, Acoustic Warning Device, PKI 7430, http://www.pki-electronic.com/products/police-customs-and-militaryequipment/acoustic-warning-device/ (accessed 15th April 2015). It should be noted that although the company itself states that the device “attains the absolute threshold of pain” at 80db, the technical literature indicates that the pain threshold is normally around 140dB. 221 Hugin Group International, The “HERBERTZHORN” A world’s first distance acoustic defence system” “Swap Body System - SBS - for police and military, available from: http://www.huegin.de/fileadmin/user_upload/PDF_s/Herbertzhorn_information_sheet_SBS_Swap_Body_ System.pdf (accessed 15 April 2015). 222 Hugin Group International, http://www.huegin.de/en/products/distance-acoustic-defence-system-herbertzhorn/portable-police-version/ (accessed 14 May 2015). 223 Altmann, J. (2001), Acoustic Weapons - A Prospective Assessment. Science & Global Security, Volume 9 pp 165-234, 2001 Taylor and Francis http://scienceandglobalsecurity.org/archive/sgs09altmann.pdf (accessed 16 March 2012). Amnesty International May 2015 Index: EUR 01/1632/2015