How often should radar and Lidar units be calibrated?

Calibration of radar and Lidar units is crucial to ensure accurate speed measurements, which are essential for enforcing traffic laws effectively and fairly. Regular calibration helps to maintain the reliability and functionality of these detection devices. The option that suggests calibration should occur regularly and before significant enforcement operations is correct because it underscores the importance of not only routine checks but also group-specific calibrations to ensure that the equipment is functioning optimally when it is most needed.

Calibration should be performed at set intervals and before critical operations such as targeted enforcement campaigns, which are likely to involve higher stakes and scrutiny. This ensures that officers can confidently rely on the readings provided by the devices, thus maintaining the integrity of the enforcement action.

Other approaches might not provide assurance of accuracy. For instance, waiting until a unit shows signs of malfunction can lead to erroneous readings without prior warning, impacting enforcement efforts. Similarly, calibrating after every use, while it might sound thorough, is impractical in real-world scenarios where multiple inspections and duties are continuous, thus potentially leading to inefficiencies. An annual inspection might miss the mark necessary for maintaining accuracy frequently needed between inspections.