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New Zealand: Lasers aimed at police helicopter the first day it is used
20 Feb 2020 -- Categories: Aviation incidents
On February 17 2020, New Zealand Police began a five-week trial of using a helicopter in Christchurch. It was used three times the first day — and there were two incidents where lasers were aimed at the new helicopter.
A 44-year-old man was arrested and was charged with possession of a restricted weapon. (New Zealand has strict laws about laser registration and use.) His court date was set for February 25.
A police spokesperson said "The lasering of an aircraft is totally unacceptable behaviour and could cause serious harm to the crew of Eagle who are there for the protection and safety of all of Christchurch."
Hamish Walker, Member of Parliament from Clutha-Southland, issued a press release saying the incident is evidence that the current law is too weak:
“People continue to point lasers at helicopters and planes which demonstrates the current penalties in place are doing little to deter offenders.
“My High-Power Laser Pointer Offences and Penalties Bill will not only deter offenders but also raise awareness about an issue which poses a great risk to pilots and passengers.
“The Bill proposes to double the maximum fine to $4000 and double the term of imprisonment from three to six months. It will also make it an offence to have a high-power laser in possession in both public and private places.
“Pilots continue to ask for harsher penalties as incidents keep occurring but this is being completely ignored by this Government.
“Laser incidents have increased 130 per cent since 2014, with 717 recorded incidents from 2014-2018 showing how crucial my Members Bill will be if we want to deter offenders.
“It’s time the Government stopped putting politics before safety and supported my Bill.”
From Stuff.co.nz (first day usage and arrest of laser suspect), and National (Hamish Walker press release)
A 44-year-old man was arrested and was charged with possession of a restricted weapon. (New Zealand has strict laws about laser registration and use.) His court date was set for February 25.
A police spokesperson said "The lasering of an aircraft is totally unacceptable behaviour and could cause serious harm to the crew of Eagle who are there for the protection and safety of all of Christchurch."
Hamish Walker, Member of Parliament from Clutha-Southland, issued a press release saying the incident is evidence that the current law is too weak:
“People continue to point lasers at helicopters and planes which demonstrates the current penalties in place are doing little to deter offenders.
“My High-Power Laser Pointer Offences and Penalties Bill will not only deter offenders but also raise awareness about an issue which poses a great risk to pilots and passengers.
“The Bill proposes to double the maximum fine to $4000 and double the term of imprisonment from three to six months. It will also make it an offence to have a high-power laser in possession in both public and private places.
“Pilots continue to ask for harsher penalties as incidents keep occurring but this is being completely ignored by this Government.
“Laser incidents have increased 130 per cent since 2014, with 717 recorded incidents from 2014-2018 showing how crucial my Members Bill will be if we want to deter offenders.
“It’s time the Government stopped putting politics before safety and supported my Bill.”
From Stuff.co.nz (first day usage and arrest of laser suspect), and National (Hamish Walker press release)