Radar/Lidar Testing Program: History

In order to appreciate the significance of this resolution, one must consider the environment that existed 20 years ago. For many yeasrs, radar had proven to be a beneficial tool in the enforcement of speed laws and development of evidence to support the prosecution of speeding violations. Over this span of time, technological advances led to the development of devices that were smaller, more mobile and capable of monitoring speeds in the moving mode. In addition, many units were equipped with special automated features intended to improve radar operator efficiency.

In August 1977, in response to law enforcement's needs, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) entered into an interagency agreement with the Law Enforcement Standards Laboratory (LESL) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) — formerly the National Bureau of Standards — to perform a series of tasks relating to speed-measuring devices. Among the more important of these was the development of testing protocols and performance standards for police radar devices. In separate actions, NHTSA addressed the matters of police radar device operator training and the possible health hazards associated with radar use.

When developed, based on the recommendation of the IACP Technology Assessment Program Advisory Council (TAPAC), these specifications were adopted as IACP specifications for police radar devices.

Publication of the Model Minimum Performance Specifications prompted an IACP proposal to test police speed-measuring radar devices to determine compliance with the model specifications and to prepare a Radar/Lidar Conforming Product List (CPL), similar to those prepared for the other types of police equipment being tested by the IACP as part of the National Institute of Justice Technology Assessment Program. After review and agreement by NHTSA, the unsolicited proposal was accepted and, in October 1982, the IACP entered into a cooperative agreement with NIST/LESL to accomplish the testing of radar devices and publish the test results.

During the period following the specifications development and up to the period of radar testing, the manufacturers of radar devices made several modifications to their products directed toward achieving compliance with the model performance specifications.

All known radar manufacturers were contacted and given an opportunity to submit devices for inclusion in this test program. The testing resulted in the original CPL, which was published in April 1984. Since that time, there have been updates in the CPL, which are reflected in the new CPL. This list designates those devices that are recognized by the IACP as being in full compliance with the CPL requirements.

For more information, contact Clarence Bell at 703-836-6767, ext. 215.