The Testing Process

Law enforcement agencies and manufacturer’s who are interested in having their devises tested for accuracy and reliability should review the administrative guide, performance specifications for the device they would like to be tested, and contact the IACP. IACP staff along with our technical consultant will review your request and determine what testing process your equipment needs. See below for the administrative guide, testing forms, performance specifications, list of testing facilities, and a description of the testing process.

Notification to Perform Testing Form in PDF

Speed-Measuring Device Performance Specifications
Across-The-Road Radar Module
Down-The-Road Radar Module
LIDAR Module

IACP maintains two testing facilities – San Diego State University, San Diego, CA and the Institute of Police Technology and Management, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL.

How It Works

Three types of Radar and Lidar testing are conducted: Conforming Product List (CPL) testing, Critical Performance Testing (CPT), and certification testing. Abbreviated descriptions of the testing procedures are listed below but the descriptions do not mention the required pass rates or the process that follows if pass rates are not achieved.

CPL Testing

A manufacturer of a new type of radar and/or lidar unit wants to have their product appear on the CPL. The manufacturer must submit the unit to the IACP to be assigned to the appropriate laboratory for testing against the requirements of the Model Minimum Performance Specifications for Police Traffic Radar and Lidar Devices. If the model passes, it is entered on the CPL. The first 200 units of that type to be produced must then be submitted for CPT. The CPT, a less stringent version of the CPL test, has been determined to be sufficient to assure the accuracy and performance of each new unit. These tests are performed at the manufacturer's expense prior to delivery to an agency for use in the field.

CPT

Each year, the IACP contacts each radar and lidar manufacturer to obtain six units of each device appearing on the CPL for testing. As an alternative, members who have purchased but not unpacked new units may be asked to assist in the program by sending the units to a laboratory for CPT at no charge. If an appropriate pass rate is not attained, 10 units of that model will be obtained and tested. If the pass rate is still not sufficient, the number of units tested escalates. If failures remain too high, a recall of all units or removal from the CPL could result. All of these tests are performed at the manufacturer's expense.

Certification Testing

This program element provides law enforcement agencies with the opportunity to have in-service units tested for accuracy at any interval the agency considers appropriate. As mentioned above, this service can be accessed by contacting IACP. The charge to the agency for this service is minimal.