13 • At what range were the devices deployed? • Were acoustic devices used in a confined or open space? Was there a clear, feasible and safe escape route available? • Were there any vulnerable people (e.g., children, persons with disabilities or elderly people) affected? • Was the device used together with other devices or weapons? • What was the effect of the device (e.g., orderly dispersal, panic, stampede or people collapsing)? • Was a warning issued before the use of the device(s)? How long in advance of the use was the warning issued? Illustrative examples of health and human rights implications The use of acoustic devices to disperse crowds is still not as widespread as some other types of equipment, and there are relatively few cases of documented inappropriate use. In 2014, police in an OSCE participating State used an acoustic device to disperse demonstrators. Police officers allegedly used the deterrent tone 15 to 20 times in a three-minute period, angling the device towards protesters at a distance of less than three metres. Some of those present subsequently brought a legal complaint for civil rights violations, alleging injuries, including “migraines, sinus pain, dizziness, facial pressure, ringing in ears, and sensitivity to noise.” Furthermore, one of the plaintiffs was diagnosed with tinnitus in both ears and vertigo, while another was diagnosed with hearing loss caused by nerve damage.