Shooting To Stun

By Theunis Bates

It sounds like science fiction, but it's real--a heat ray that can zap a mob and force people to flee without inflicting permanent injury. On Jan. 24 the U.S. military unveiled its Active Denial System, right, which shoots a beam of electromagnetic radiation calibrated to cause an intense burning sensation (similar to touching a hot lightbulb) but no long-term damage. Unlike traditional brute-force tools of dispersal--such as batons and rubber bullets, which can maim or even kill--a new wave of high-tech crowd-control devices promises to keep the peace without causing casualties.

PHASR

The Personnel Halting and Stimulation Response uses laser beams to cause temporary blindness. The rifle, under development by the U.S. military, could be used to stun violent rioters or disable a driver who fails to stop at a roadblock.

LONG-RANGE ACOUSTIC DEVICE

Used by U.S. police, troops in Iraq and even cruise ships trying to scare off pirates, this souped-up megaphone blasts out a high-pitched piercing sound. Anyone caught in its path will be incapacitated by an intense headache.

TASER REMOTE AREA DENIAL

Want to stop rioters rampaging through your embassy? This force field--which could be ready for deployment by 2008--can be set up in doorways and will zap any uninvited guests who try to cross its electrified barrier.