LA authorities plan to use heat-beam ray in jail

[Fingers!]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_jail_ray_gun

By THOMAS WATKINS, Associated Press Writer – Fri Aug 27, 12:50 am ET
LOS ANGELES – A device designed to control unruly inmates by blasting them with a beam of intense energy that causes a burning sensation is drawing heat from civil rights groups who fear it could cause serious injury and is "tantamount to torture."

The mechanism, known as an "Assault Intervention Device," is a stripped-down version of a military gadget that sends highly focused beams of energy at people and makes them feel as though they are burning. The Los Angeles County sheriff's department plans to install the device by Labor Day, making it the first time in the world the technology has been deployed in such a capacity.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California criticized Sheriff Lee Baca's decision in a letter sent Thursday, saying that the technology amounts to a ray gun at a county jail. The 4-feet-tall weapon, which looks like a cross between a robot and a satellite radar, will be mounted on the ceiling and can swivel.

It is remotely controlled by an operator in a separate room who lines up targets with a joystick

I bet this device will end up on the streets...

[lordluvr]

"It is remotely controlled by an operator in a separate room who lines up targets with a joystick"

Finally, a job where all of my gaming experience can be put to use!

[gtrdave]

Hello, Star Trek!

[docjohn]

say it  ain't so LL---ha ha ha

[6stringapprentice]

I want one mounted on the roof of my car.

[LaylaMonroe]

Ugh. I hate decisions.

Now I need to figure out whether to apply for a CO job in LA or an Ebonics Translator job in Atl.

*sigh* Speak Lord.

[T-Block]

Pretty cool. If I worked in a jail, I'd be strapped like Rambo. If anybody tries something, shoot first and ask questions last.

[THE WOLFMAN]