State troopers use high-tech lasers to catch speeders
By Lizz Harold Staff Writer

A device whose technology has been used by NASA, is now being utilized by the State Highway Patrol to catch speeders.

The LIDAR, light detection and radar machine, has the capability to pinpoint vehicles in heavy traffic situations with the power of a laser. The laser, unlike past radar devices that use microwaves, reflects off of any given car and bounces back the speed to the officer.

"They are just now out in the field," said Trooper Jeremy Ledford, who said that the LIDAR has been used in Graham and Swain Counties.

"This is a very effective tool to combat speeding" he said.

Trooper Ledford was certified in the LIDAR system over a two day schooling period and after passing a state administrated test. Officers using the device are required to have such a certification.

Trooper Ledford said that troopers highly praise the LIDAR but the device is not yet available in Cherokee County due to initial speculation over the new technology. The hefty price of the new radar system also set back it's integration into the local scene.

The LIDAR is approximately $5,000 per individual device, opposed to current standard radar systems that cost $1,500 per machine.

The instrument also requires the officer handling it to remain stationary in order to send out the laser energy efficiently. Usual radar instruments can be used while in pursuit and do not create such a problem.

New technology, as seen with the iPhone and other freshly sold gadgets, cost the highest within the first of it's launch. The LIDAR, despite it's expense, has not deterred the Highway Patrol and is expected to be used within Cherokee County in the near future.

"We are in the process of getting more," stated Trooper Ledford who added, "We didn't buy enough-we didn't expect it to be so effective."