Technology
Is It Illegal to Point a Laser Pointer at a Police Helicopter in the UK?
Is It Illegal to Point a Laser Pointer at a Police Helicopter in the UK?
The answer is yes, and specifically under the Laser Misuse Vehicles Act 2018. This law was enacted to provide clarity and simplify existing offenses that could be used to prosecute laser misuse cases, ensuring that the best evidence is obtained. In this article, we will explore the specifics of this legislation and its implications, backed by an anecdotal journey from a law enforcement officer's perspective.
The 2018 Act in Perspective
The Laser Misuse Vehicles Act 2018 updated and clarified laws related to laser misuse, making it easier to prosecute offenders. Known incidents include pointing laser pointers at police helicopters, which can pose significant risks and necessitate strict legal frameworks. This act is not a recent intervention but was a clarifying measure long before its implementation in 2018.
A Real-life Scenario: Completing a Foot Chase
Back in 2005, during my time on the force, we were pursuing a suspect in Hackney, London. Suddenly, the on-duty police helicopter, India 99, joined the chase to make the process smoother. This incident involved a high level of adrenaline and a critical radio communication chain, which I'll describe as faithfully as possible, keeping dramatization to a minimum while emphasizing the operational details.
The radio communications for the foot chase were intense and efficient. Here's a snapshot of the scenario:
CHASING CHASING suck the inhale errrr IC1 male red top puff arghh Pembury NO CLAPTON fuck - IC1 MALE cough fuck puff more units more units Controller: "Golf Delta callsign offence location direction"
Location and Direction:
"Five Six Four - headin' h'den' errrrrr towards the TRAIN station train STATION. There are three nearby. Where Pete crashed the van. Could be any street over the past five years. Lea Bridge Road - that's two miles long. Whiskey Mike. Wanted / Missing, but for what? He's turnin' LEFT LEFT, his left my left politically."
The Police Helicopter's Intervention
Then, the India 99 helicopter cut in with a voice that could have been a comfort to a child afraid of the dark, describing the chase's status and positions:
"India 99: 'Golf-Delta-India-Nine-Nine-show-us-CAD-foot-chase-Clapton.'" "India 99: '564-say-location.' "564 GD: 'h..rrgh' (Sounds of booted feet slapping the concrete in the background). "India 99: 'all-units-five-six-four-and-suspect-seen-Ferron-Road-Nightingale-Estate-heading-west.' "India 99: 'all-units-suspect-into-Brackenfield-Close.' "India 99: 'Golf-Delta-Two-One-suspect-hiding-between-van-and-peugeot-GLiddon-Drive-one-hundred-meters-east-of-you.' "GD21: 'Suspect detained.' "India 99: 'Unit at base of Seaton Point make yourself known.'The Arrest and Legal Consequences
After the suspect was detained, one officer noticed someone shining a green laser at the helicopter. The scene unfolded as follows:
490GD: 'One detained, laser pointer found!'
The suspect was subsequently taken down by officers and brought to the station where the custody sergeant prepared to book them. However, a critical piece of evidence, a long fax, arrived from the ground controller of the helicopter, which complicated the situation further.
Understanding the Law: The Laser Misuse Vehicles Act 2018
The Laser Misuse Vehicles Act 2018 has specific provisions to handle such cases. Some key points to understand:
Shining a Laser Beam Toward a Vehicle: A person commits an offense if they shine or direct a laser beam towards a vehicle that is moving or ready to move, and the laser beam dazzles or distracts a person with control of the vehicle. Defenses: If the person can prove they had a reason to shine or direct the beam towards the vehicle, or they did not intend to do so and took all reasonable precautions to avoid it, they may have a defense. Punishments: Penalties can range from fines to imprisonment. For England and Wales, the maximum penalty is 12 months in jail, a fine, or both. For Scotland, the maximum fine is the statutory maximum, and for Northern Ireland, the maximum is 6 months in jail, a fine, or both. On indictment (in a higher court), the maximum sentence is up to 5 years in jail, a fine, or both.Conclusion
Pointing a laser pointer at a police helicopter in the UK is not only illegal but can also lead to severe legal consequences. The Laser Misuse Vehicles Act 2018 provides a clear framework to address such behavior, ensuring that the public is protected from potential dangers and that offenders are dealt with appropriately. Whether for entertainment value or malice, individuals need to be aware of the serious implications of shining a laser at an aircraft.