Laser Pointers

Last year, a co-worker shared with me a very eventful weekend that she had experienced. As she was about to sit back and relax one Sunday afternoon, she heard a knock at her door. Upon answering the door, she noticed two men in black suits with shades standing at her door and two other identically dressed gentleman in her driveway. It was obvious that all four men were carrying weapons according to my co-worker's account. The two men at the door asked if they could enter her home and ask a few questions. They presented federal identification showing that they were members of the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Being that they were F.B.I. agents, she agreed and promptly called for her husband to come and meet the visitors as well. She made me aware that her heart was pounding and that she was extremely uneasy. Why were federal agents at her house?

The F.B.I. agents wanted to question her about activities that had been taking place on their property. Her property consisted of several acres that included some woodland and grassland acreage. The agents notified the property owners that someone or a group of individuals had been using laser pointers and aiming the laser beams at airplanes as the planes flew over the property. Being that the property is located about 40 miles south of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, several planes had flying patterns that crossed this property and different pilots had made reports of the activity. The F.B.I. agents wanted to know if residents had seen any suspicious or odd people in the area or even kids playing on the property. In fact, the agents informed the residents that this had occurred multiple times and had been noted by airline pilots as a dangerous area. The agents even indicated that it could be considered an act of terrorism taking place on their property. The residents were totally in shock and surprise but agreed to fully cooperate with the federal authorities. They allowed the agents open access to the property and allowed them to do whatever they needed to do to investigate and stop the perpetrators. The residents also agreed to report any trespassers to the authorities and keep the agents informed.

According to an Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper article, laser incidents have increased over the past year. This is not a good thing because airline pilots are very vulnerable to laser pointers because lasers beams can impact a pilot's vision. Lasers can be especially hazardous at take-offs and landings. My co-worker noted that the F.B.I. agents said it was relatively easy to find the general whereabouts of those who point lasers at airplanes. Basically, airplane pilots are able to notice from the sky the area that a laser beam originates. Then, the pilots pinpoint the area on a grid and plot GPS position. This information is then shared with law enforcement authorities.

My advice is very simple in the interest of safety. Refrain from playing with any type of laser pointers outside. Utilize laser pointers for indoor business and activity only. Most importantly, do not allow children to use laser pointers as toys. They can truly damage the eyes.