Orange County Register Archive

COSTA MESA, CA - AUGUST 17: Laser pointers are getting more powerful and creating more risks for passengers on airliners and helicopter cops who are sometimes maliciously the target of the beams. OC Sheriff Deputy Erik Baum with the aviation unit uses a high definition, infrared camera mounted on the outside of the copter, bottom left, with a hand control to track down violators. The camera's detail and precision are remarkable even from more than a mile away. Lasers can cause migraines and serious injury to the eyes when pointed in someone's direction. ///ADDITIONAL INFO: - Photo by MINDY SCHAUER, The Orange County Register/MediaNews Group via Getty Images - shot: 081716 laserdanger.08XX Laser pointers are getting steadily more powerful and creating added safety risks for passengers on airliners taking off and landing at airports in Orange and the Inland Empire. Sgt. William Fitzgerald, of the OC Sheriff's Department aviation unit shows a high-powered infrared camera that makes it easier to track down laser-pointer suspects. (Photo by Mindy Schauer/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images)