Spokane Police and the City Council have agreed after public outcry to scrap the purchase of two portable high-range speakers, informally known as “sound cannons” for their piercing noises that can cascade over large protests and mass demonstrations.

Police had sought council approval for the $88,000 purchase of two long-range acoustic devices commonly used to communicate with big crowds “to enhance public safety communication, emergency response, and lawful notification capabilities,” according to the council’s Oct. 27 agenda. The devices would be used “during events where it is crucial to the public that they are able to hear the commands being given during times of civil unrest, or other emergency situations,” police wrote in their request.

But the devices also are known for their shr

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