Many patrol officers know Laser Technology Inc. for its speed measurement devices. But using lasers to make detailed calculations from a distance is also ideal for shooters. What became the TruPulse Tactical Laser for Law Enforcement was initially created with hunters in mind. Then the development team realized that advanced calculations for finding a target would greatly benefit law enforcement.

"This single monocular-type instrument can give you magnified viewing as well as provide corrected ballistics solutions for up to five different cartridges at any one time," explains Neil Heeke, engineering manager at Laser Technology Inc. "That means if you have a SWAT team that has three different weapons they use and carry, all of those could be programmed into the unit. So you would have that information no matter what weapon you choose to utilize." And the calculations for making the most accurate shot appear on the screen as you look through the device.

This might sound like it could be complicated, but Heeke says the instrument, which is small enough to fit in a cargo pocket, is so simple to use that training takes only 30 minutes. "That's start to finish, from turning on the unit for the first time to using it to range to different targets," he says.

You can use the TruPulse as a range finder just by putting the battery in, installing it, and pressing the fire button. This range-only mode immediately allows you to range to different targets.

But this function can also aid tactical positioning, says Heeke. "Police can measure the distance between two points on a building and be able to see if one point is a little bit farther away than they thought. So they can make adjustments to personnel based on their measurements."

To use the more advanced functions of the TruPulse to calculate compensated ballistic performance, you need to preload information about the cartridges you'll be shooting. You can do this at the station ahead of time using the TruPulse Tactical Interface Software that comes with the instrument. Just load the software on your computer, connect the TruPulse with a USB cable, and enter any information you need for up to five people's profiles. Pressing one button uploads this information to the instrument. You can also load multiple TruPulse units with the same information.

"All of the information can be saved to a master list of cartridges, so you can build a reference library," says Heeke. You can also send profiles via e-mail.

If you're in the field or on the range and need to add or adjust information for a different weapon, you can also enter it in the instrument itself by using the on-screen menu system. Then later on you can download all of the added information into your master file.

The TruPulse can also help you with corrections for wind. You just need to estimate it either by knowledge or by using another instrument, enter the information, and the unit will calculate for windage. You can also choose whether to view measurements in inches, centimeters, MOA, or milliradians, so it will work seamlessly with any scope.

In the background, the TruPulse automatically uses built-in sensors and algortihms to correct based on the temperature and air pressure around you.

"We allow the user to aim the device, range a target, and it comes back with a solution based on the ballistic cartridge they're using," says Heeke. "Then they can press a couple buttons to view secondary menus and looking at the additional info related to the shot that they're going to take: altitude, temperature, angle, inclination, and air pressure. All that info for each shot is saved on a different menu. If you're in a rush, you can get what you need and go."

With the TruTargeting function, the laser can distinguish your desired target from surrounding obstructions with Near, Far, and Continuous modes. "For example, on the Near setting, if someone is close, it will give you the distance to the person, your actual target. Most other devices would only give you the distance to the building or tree behind them," Heeke explains.

Bottom line, Laser Tech's TruPulse Tactical Laser for Law Enforcement is a versatile tool that's easy for tactical teams to use, Heeke says. "It features 7x magnification, a heads-up display, and in-depth features to make sure you have a successful solution."

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