Acoustic hailing devices: securitisation and sound technologies

Abstract

ABSTRACT The LRAD, the brand name of Genasys’ industry-leading acoustic hailing devices (AHDs) product range, has been discussed in the context of the weaponisation of sound. This article contributes a critical science and technology studies perspective by approaching AHDs as security sound technologies: as products within a security and disaster audio industry, that partake in, and are symptomatic of, a broader logic of securitisation. The goal here is neither decrying AHDs as invested in injurious sound nor making distinctions between purportedly violent and benign AHD features and applications, but to inquire into “the concept of an AHD” and, in turn, to understand the logics and workingsthat underlay AHDs’ framing and adoption as 21st-century security sound solutions across the military-civilian, government-corporate continuum. While there are important differences between AHD models, all AHDs produce narrow and directional acoustic beams and broadcast high-intensity, far-reaching “unmistakable” voice commands and piercing deterrent tones. What makes AHDs “sound” and otherwise desirable as “workhorses” for a broad range of security and safety applications? The article examines different capability gaps these devices avowedly “bridge” and define. In particular, it discusses AHDs’ humanitarian violence, disaster communications and relief, crowd control, and perimeter security applications and functions within US contexts.