How Law Enforcement Catches People Illegally Shining Lasers at Aircraft

Shining lasers at aircraft is not only illegal but also poses a significant threat to aviation safety. In my experience as a federal law enforcement officer, I have supervised several cases where individuals were caught for this offense. With the use of modern technology and law enforcement techniques, it has become easier to catch these individuals and ensure the safety of pilots and passengers.

Real-World Examples of Laser Attacks on Aircraft

Two notable cases come to mind. In the first instance, a young individual shined a laser at a commercial airplane. The FBI utilized neighborhood cameras to pinpoint the origin of the laser, which turned out to be a residential property. In another case, a laser attack was directed at a police helicopter during a routine operation. Law enforcement directed ground officers to the suspect’s property and made an arrest.

These incidents are classified as federal felonies, reflecting the seriousness of the offense. Young, immature adults, often under the influence of alcohol and boredom, have been the ones committing such acts. While such actions may seem like a party trick, they carry severe legal and safety consequences, including a criminal record, prison time, and substantial fines.

The Role of Air Traffic Controllers

As an air traffic controller, I dealt with a few cases where pilots reported laser incidents. For example, a pilot reported that a laser struck his aircraft while it was 5,000 feet in the air. In such cases, the air traffic controller may inform local police, but there is often little they can do beyond that. Most civilian aircraft and fixed-wing pilots lack the necessary equipment to track and identify the source of the laser.

However, in cases involving police helicopters, the situation can be quite different. The helicopter can keep the laser source in sight until an arrest is made. This is a serious offense, and depending on the severity and the potential impact on safety, the penalties can be severe. An incident that leads to an accident could result in even more significant consequences, including extended prison sentences and substantial fines.

Common Behavioral Patterns of Culprits

There are a few patterns in how individuals who shine lasers at aircraft operate:

Repetitive Behavior: Individuals who find it entertaining to shine lasers at aircraft often repeat their actions multiple times. Regular Flight Paths: They typically target well-known and frequently traveled flight paths. Lack of Accountability: Unlike other crime enthusiasts, these individuals often do not realize when to stop or take responsibility for their actions. Positioning: Due to the highly visible nature of the green laser spot, targets can easily pinpoint the location of the laser. This makes it easier for law enforcement to locate and apprehend the perpetrators.

Law Enforcement Techniques for Catching Laser Shiners

Law enforcement employs various techniques to catch individuals illegally shining laser pointers at aircraft:

Multiple Witness Reports: If multiple civilians report the same incident, law enforcement can quickly act and possibly catch the perpetrator on the spot. Helicopter Surveillance: In larger cities, police helicopters can help track and locate the laser source, allowing for a coordinated ground response. Stationary Attacks: When individuals shine lasers from their backyards, they often remain stationary. This static position makes it easier for law enforcement to locate and identify them.

In cases where the exact location is unknown, law enforcement can employ additional measures such as:

Spotting and Targeting: The pilot can narrow down the location using the green laser spot, and local law enforcement can canvas the area to find the source. Bait Aircraft: In some cases, law enforcement might send out a plane or helicopter as bait. If the laser is directed at the aircraft, the pilot can radio ground units to direct them to the origin of the laser.

Understanding the behavior and patterns of individuals who illegally shine lasers at aircraft is crucial for law enforcement to develop and implement effective strategies. By combining modern surveillance technology, witness reports, and tactical operations, authorities can significantly reduce the threat to aviation safety and uphold the law.