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Although the first working laser was invented in 1960, it was not until 1979 that the first patent for a laser sight for firearms was issued. The first laser sights were cumbersome with very limited practical applications. In many ways, they were little more than expensive novelties.
It was not until the development of the laser diode in the late 1980s, that laser sights for handguns became practical. Although law enforcement has been relatively slow to embrace laser sights, this is beginning to change. Today, an ever increasing number of agencies arc realizing the benefits of equipping their issue sidcarms with laser sights or authorizing their use.
Liability reduction is one of the major reasons that a growing number of agencies, such as the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Las Vegas Metro PD, LAX Airport Police and Orlando (FL) PD, for example, are authorizing the use of lasers. Laser sights are a proven threat de-escalation tool, providing a final less-than-lethal option that can de-escalate many hostile situations. Additionally, they provide a court-defensible alternate sighting method.
Officer safety is another reason agencies arc authorizing laser sights. Laser sights allow an officer to focus beyond his sights, enabling the officer to focus on the threat and enhancing peripheral awareness. They provide a single index sighting reference that provides rapid, accurate first shot capability under extreme stress, when moving or in close quarters (non-sighted) shooting positions.
According to Crimson Trace Corporation, law enforcement agencies using the company's Lasergrips? report over a 90% hit ratio in officer involved shootings. The national average hit ratio in officer involved shootings using traditional sighting methods is 25%. Laser sights can be a life-saving auxiliary sighting method when forced to tire from unconventional or compromised positions. Laser sights are also a valuable visual communication tool. Lasers may be used to designate the location of a hostile threat and which officer is covering whom. Additionally, they help to maintain awareness of muzzle direction and safety at all times.
One criticism regarding lasers is that they can be confusing when employed in a team environment. Another criticism is that they can give away the officer's position. These aren't valid criticisms if lasers are properly employed. Lasers...