“Available on eBay: Our Batteries Are Defective, and Users Lack Training on Proper Use”
Photo: Printscreen / Youtube
Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dačić addressed reporters following the press conference, showcasing a Gendarmerie vehicle equipped with an LRAD device and providing a demonstration of its functionality.
Members of the Novi Sad Gendarmerie detachment, whose vehicle featured the LRAD device, were positioned next to the National Assembly building. They demonstrated the device’s operation by playing a pre-recorded message, which Dačić stated was intended as a warning for demonstrators to disperse, according to reports from N1.
The smaller LRAD 100X was unpacked by Gendarmerie personnel, who played the recorded alert.
Acting Director of the Serbian Police, Dragan Vasiljević, noted that the voice of the Gendarmerie detachment commander was the one recorded on the device.
However, when demonstrating the larger LRAD 450 XL device mounted on the Gendarmerie vehicle, an issue arose as its battery was non-functional. Dačić and Vasiljević explained that the device had been stored for four years without usage, leading to the battery deteriorating. Consequently, it needed to be connected to the vehicle’s battery for operation, necessitating the Gendarmerie members to start the car to play the pre-recorded warning sound.
Dačić requested the gendarmes to amplify the sound to the maximum level.
He emphasized that these devices only serve this specific function and stated that police officers had not been trained for alternative uses or purposes.
“This is the so-called space technology. It’s a technical tool, not classified as a weapon in our records. Our personnel have not been trained to deploy it harmfully. It is beneficial for our units that handle public order and peace. Regarding the sound feature, it is solely intended to alert demonstrators to disperse, although it hasn’t been utilized to date. It’s never been used,” Dačić remarked.
He reiterated that they do not possess other such devices.
Moreover, he indicated that these devices are not regarded as weapons and are available for open sale, even referencing an eBay listing for a used unit.
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