Unmarked police cars

[Migman]

My city's police department recently acquired a brand new HEMI-powered Dodge Charger with the help of a $45K state grant. I knew about this for quite a while because I used to work for the city. I, along with everyone else thought that it would be painted in the standard police dept colors and would replace the lone '99 Mustang for traffic enforcement. Apparently that's the not the plan. They decided to not paint it at all. On top of that, a few days ago I found out that the county southeast of me uses 4 unmarked Mustang GTs in their sheriff's fleet. So apparently this isn't a new phenomenon. I mean I knew that using unmarked Crown Vics and Impalas and other 'typical' police vehicles was pretty standard MO, but this is quite out of the norm.

What do you guys think of the increasing prevalence leaving cars unmarked? Personally, it kinda irks me. Feels kinda low-ball.

Here's a photo:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/photo/2007-06/30349452.jpg


TAVARES -- Raymond Lind may have thought he was cool when he revved his engine several times while looking over at the bright-red Dodge Charger next to him at the traffic light, police said.

When the light turned green, Lind flew off and then cut across three lanes of U.S. Highway 441 while looking back and waving at the Dodge, according to police. Bad move. The 350-horsepower Charger is Tavares' newest police car.

"He was just shocked," said Capt. Danny Feleccia, who flicked on his lights and pulled Lind over. "He just sat there with his mouth open. He couldn't believe it."

With Central Florida's highways becoming more congested every day, law-enforcement officials across the region are using every tool they can to go after traffic scofflaws, including decoy cars such as the flashy Charger recently purchased by Tavares with a $45,000 state grant.

Aggressive driving, in particular, can escalate into road rage and lead to accidents.

"Sometimes when people see a high-performance vehicle, they'll try to show off and, lo and behold, it's a law-enforcement officer," Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Jorge Delahoz said. "You're trying to instill a mind-set in people that it's not acceptable to drive that way."

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/lake/orl-baitcar0707jun07,0,6512355.story?coll=orl-news-headlines-lake

Also, read the plethora of comments regarding this article right below it. Pretty interesting.

[digrar]

Plenty of our traffic coppers operate in this way, along with cameras and hidden cameras, it's just part and parcel of the Australian revenue raising motoring experience.

[Buckeye67]

I'm not quite sure what the complaint is. Are you implying that somehow because the police vehicle is unmarked that it will somehow induce you to commit some sort of crime and/or traffic violation (that you otherwise wouldn't have) and is therefore unfair?

[Gothjod]

Here in Maryland I've seen unmarked Mustangs and some pickups. Also Montgomery County has (marked) Chargers.

[jetsetter]

You do realize that the Dodge Charger is offered with a police package know, right? It is becoming a "typical" police vehicle now.

http://www.allpar.com/squads/police-cars/charger.html

Old news actually. I have no problem with it.

[Herrmannek]

Its double purpose... exceptionally good cops can take it for a weekend to hunt some game :)

[D-gin]

Here's a photo:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/photo/2007-06/30349452.jpg



http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/lake/orl-baitcar0707jun07,0,6512355.story?coll=orl-news-headlines-lake

Also, read the plethora of comments regarding this article right below it. Pretty interesting.

Nothing new.

The UK has a bunch of stuff of similar fashion (WRX's) for catching speeders, My only problem with the fact the Local/State Law Enforcement agencies using unmarked cars is the problems posed when involved in a high speed chase.

My states Highway patrol along with the county Sheriff has a bunch of unmarked cars, And I'm not talking about Crown Vics or Impala's.

[Pandy]

I'm not quite sure what the complaint is. Are you implying that somehow because the police vehicle is unmarked that it will somehow induce you to commit some sort of crime and/or traffic violation (that you otherwise wouldn't have) and is therefore unfair?

What's worst is when a cop challenges you in a drag down a state route in a mark vehicle, and smokes you. Then again, the Sheriff does get bored at about 4AM in the morning.

[Buckeye67]

What's worst is when a cop challenges you in a drag down a state route in a mark vehicle, and smokes you. Then again, the Sheriff does get bored at about 4AM in the morning.

We used to have cruiser races on the highway.

[digrar]

My only problem with the fact the Local/State Law Enforcement agencies using unmarked cars is the problems posed when involved in a high speed chase.

Ours have the headlights set up to alternate flash and they have a set of hidden blue and red lights, along with the siren. There can be no doubt that you're being pulled over by anything other than a police car.

[D-gin]

Ours have the headlights set up to alternate flash and they have a set of hidden blue and red lights, along with the siren. There can be no doubt that you're being pulled over by anything other than a police car.


Most of the time it's the same here but I'm really talking about when some moronic driver on the Interstate is doing 85mph and hears a siren and starts looking around for a marked car with a lightbar and doesn't notice the wight dodge with just some clear strobes on the mirror doing 120., That's what my problem is with normal LEO's using unmarked cars.


I'm all for the police using unmarked vehicles for Just not for normal patrol or pursuit use.

[Buckeye67]

Having been in two vehicle pursuits, and having responded to numerous accidents w/injuries (with lights and siren), in a marked police unit - I can honestly say that stupid drivers will be stupid drivers regardless of whether the vehicle is marked or not.

[Mur'al]

over here it is policy and law that when engaged in pursuit or urgent duty the vehilce is to have at least one 360 light activated on the roof, normally a magnetic strobe, most officers follow the requirement

[D-gin]

Having been in two vehicle pursuits, and having responded to numerous accidents w/injuries (with lights and siren), in a marked police unit - I can honestly say that stupid drivers will be stupid drivers regardless of whether the vehicle is marked or not.
But will you also agree that it is easier for the motrist to make visual recognition of a marked unit versus an unmarked unit?

[digrar]

Personally as soon as I see an unmarked car lit up, it can't be mistaken, it's just as obvious as a normal patrol car.

[D-gin]

Personally as soon as I see an unmarked car lit up, it can't be mistaken, it's just as obvious as a normal patrol car.
Unless your trying to avoid one while doing 90mph on your bike. p-)

[digrar]

I haven't got a death wish, so i can't comment. p-)

[D-gin]

I haven't got a death wish, so i can't comment. p-)

I don't have a death wish, I've just had my stupid moments.

[Aerosoul]

Lot of Chargers in police departments around here. I've even seen one with neons underneath. Struck me as odd, but then again for the police department it belonged to, it didn't surprise me. Most of their work is handing out speeding tickets and busting high school parties. They have a bit of money to spend thanks to their city's taxes and citation prices.

[Buckeye67]

But will you also agree that it is easier for the motrist to make visual recognition of a marked unit versus an unmarked unit?

I agree that it is easier for a motorist (or anyone else) to make a visual recognition of a marked police vehicle. However, I don't believe there would be any practical difference for an officer in responding to runs whether his vehicle was marked or unmarked.

For example, I've had people stop, both lanes of traffic mind you, completely blocking me from proceeding down the street while I was enroute to an accident with injuries. I had to turn off my siren, get on the PA and yell at them to get the hell out of my way before they actually let me through.

[D-gin]

I agree that it is easier for a motorist (or anyone else) to make a visual recognition of a marked police vehicle. However, I don't believe there would be any practical difference for an officer in responding to runs whether his vehicle was marked or unmarked.

For example, I've had people stop, both lanes of traffic mind you, completely blocking me from proceeding down the street while I was enroute to an accident with injuries. I had to turn off my siren, get on the PA and yell at them to get the hell out of my way before they actually let me through.
I completely agree, Remember I live in the place with the (statistically proven) rudest drivers.

[metalgolem]

British Columbia's Lower mainland has policing by the RCMP on the highways and a few cities as well.
I've seen everything from soccer mom vans to pick up trucks being outfitted as unmarked police vehicles.
More power to them if it reduces the amount of morons driving on our roads and highways.

[Baboonass]

Here's the issue.

red and blue flashers are avilible anywere, as are sirens and headlight flashers.

Who's to say it's a cop pulling you over?

Especially when the cop is in civilian clothes, badges are availble on ebay.

There was a number of fake cops pulling women over and raping them or otherwise attempting to extract ****** favors undr the guise of authority.

If the "unmarked police car" becomes popular, you can certainly expect to see more of this happening.

Personnaly, if I can't immediatly recognize a police car when I'm being signaled to pull over, I'm going to pull over in front of a police sub-station or other public building, and I highly encourage others to do the same.

This is one of those arguments like the redlight/speed cameras. Bottom line is it's a money maker and does little to deter speeding.

[D-gin]

Matchanu makes a great point.

A few years ago in Daytona Beach there was a serial rapist going around raping prostitutes while he posed as a plain cloths Officer.







Check this out> http://www.co.ho.md.us/police/docs/tipsonunmarkedcars.pdf

[Baboonass]

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/06/05/backpage/6_4_0717_27_48.txt


http://www.cbs8.com/story.php?id=69830

A couple more.

I remember this happening in San Diego in the 90's

There is some urban legnad floating around that dilutes a very real issue, but it does happen.

[Danik]

You think a mustang's bad?

Try hailing a yellow taxi in nyc and then watching it light up like a christmas tree.

[Aerosoul]

Match makes a good point I think. My cousin was pulled over several years ago and raped. And now there is an 18/19 year old f***wit with an Impala all decked out in red lights and 911/K9 decals driving around my neighborhood. My brother is in the Dept of Corrections and handed off the plate number to some police friends of his. Haven't heard anything lately about it, but I hope he is doing something illegal, because in my opinion, no civilians should have any lights or other junk on their car.

Nashville restricts blue lights to police only. Red to fire dept/ambulance. The Park Police get blue, as well.

But this kid in the Impala, I've seen several times out and about. I want to pull him over and have a talk with him.

[Herrmannek]

There was that Czech children tv show... those pesky aliens had those lada nivas that could change their paint jobs after one click of button...

[PaulClift]

If you are a law abiding citizen why should you worry about plain cars, thats my view.

[Baboonass]

If you are a law abiding citizen why should you worry about plain cars, thats my view.

Why?

Read my first post in this thread.


In any case, there is a time and place for the police to conduct clandestine operations. IMHO, catching speeders isn't one of them.

On overt police vehicle does far more to slow down speeders or protential speeder than an unmarked unit.

[2Sheds_Jackson]

There's a good article about the Charger police package in the new Car & Driver. It beat out the old standby Crown Vic at the annual roundup done by Michigan's State Police. Much faster (the V6 version about equals the Ford V8's speed, the Hemi V8 kills it), corners better, stops better, - a tad smaller in front - and the price is almost the same.

That being said, I don't see anything wrong with unmarked patrol cars. I've even been ticketed by them. I've seen all kinds of stuff - SUVS, pickups, wagons, of course the high-performance HO Mustangs & Z28's, even some jurisdictions that use old beat-up cars (whored out old S-10 pickups) that you'd never suspect.

Doesn't bother me any. Seems to be a good idea to have a mix of high and low visibility cruisers.

Now I just have to wait for the first of the Chargers to hit 60,000 miles and show up on used-police-cars-com. :)

[Hollis]

Why?

Read my first post in this thread.


In any case, there is a time and place for the police to conduct clandestine operations. IMHO, catching speeders isn't one of them.

On overt police vehicle does far more to slow down speeders or protential speeder than an unmarked unit.


I think it depends on what the department wants. This is not a simple black and white (Hope you get it) issue.

Marked units have a distinct advantage. Unmark units depending on function have their distinct advantage.

IMHO, it pays to keep a certain part of our population guessing.

Tail light chasing is a different aspect than community policing.

Also not all speeders are the same.

[California Joe]

There was some skell raping women along the DC Beltway a few years ago using that scenario. We used to use confiscated cars from drug busts sometimes. I've even seen an unmarked corvette used as a pursuit vehicle.

[Buckeye67]

As long as you folks who don't want to pull over for an unmarked polcie vehicle are willing to deal with the additional charges and/or arrest subsequent to your finally stopping or being stopped, it's all copasetic.

[ronnieraygun]

In any case, there is a time and place for the police to conduct clandestine operations. IMHO, catching speeders isn't one of them.

On overt police vehicle does far more to slow down speeders or protential speeder than an unmarked unit.


QFT. You will never stop speeders. But the presence of a marked squad keeps everyone in line so you don't have to peel them off the pavement every night. Put the unmarked ones where they belong, in surveillance or catching "skells." My God, CJ I have not heard "skell" in a loong time.

[California Joe]

But it is perfectly legal to pull over only in an area where you feel safe. For example, driving an extra mile at a controlled speed to get to a well lighted 7-11. I told my wife to do that very thing if some joker in an unmarked starts flashing lights at her out in some isolated part of East Buttf*ck...

[California Joe]

QFT. You will never stop speeders. But the presence of a marked squad keeps everyone in line so you don't have to peel them off the pavement every night. Put the unmarked ones where they belong, in surveillance or catching "skells." My God, CJ I have not heard "skell" in a loong time.

I'm old you know, I picked that up from my best friend that is a NYC cop. heh.

[Hollis]

Unmarked cars have lights in the grill, generally. DPS (Arizona Highway Patrol) used different colors and no light bar on top. The doors were marked. The officers in uniform. From front or rear it was not apparent they where patrol cars, unless the lights came on.

There are security companies that have cars, that look like mark units, for high visibility, many anti-burglar patrols.

The secret in life don't speed excessively. Don't be the fastest car on the road. If your the only car on the road (especially in the late hours) don't speed or drive too slow.

Most cites are for 10 to 15+ over.

If you are stopped, don't order a Hamburger and milk shake from the Officer, or mention donut time. COC (contempt of cop) though not a code is enforceable.

[Hollis]

But it is perfectly legal to pull over only in an area where you feel safe. For example, driving an extra mile at a controlled speed to get to a well lighted 7-11. I told my wife to do that very thing if some joker in an unmarked starts flashing lights at her out in some isolated part of East Buttf*ck...


Flashing head lights don't mean diddly (unless maybe wig wags). I sure as hell won't stop or speed away, I'll let him pass (not worth the fight). If I was a women, call 911 and keep driving as you said.

[PaulClift]

Why?

Read my first post in this thread.


In any case, there is a time and place for the police to conduct clandestine operations. IMHO, catching speeders isn't one of them.

On overt police vehicle does far more to slow down speeders or protential speeder than an unmarked unit.

In the uk we have plain units that specifically target joyriders, I'd say thats a pretty good use.

[Buckeye67]

I suppose it boils down to how far is acceptable for an officer to let someone drive before they pull over. A couple of blocks maybe. A mile? That's kind of pushing it, IMO (in the city I worked in - a mile could put you into another state entirely). Regardless, if I'm the officer, as soon as a vehicle doesn't stop when I hit my light bar - I'm going to be on the radio saying "the vehicle is refusing to stop". At that point anyone who isn't busy is going to come along to see what's up. Charges vary from state to state, but I can almost guarantee that you'd be charged with something in addition to whatever you were being pulled over for to begin with.

An officer may opt to not charge you based on that explanation, or it may be a defense in court - but again, I can almost guarantee additional charges for refusing to stop.

Edit: Not to mention that what would have been a "normal" traffic stop could very well become a "high-risk" (i.e. lots of cops pointing shooty things at you) traffic stop when the driver did finally stop.

[California Joe]

That was SOP for us in Montgomery County Maryland because of the long sections of wooded parkways in the county and I do think the Beltway rapist had some impact on that....

[Buckeye67]

Terrain dictates. p-)

I worked in an inner-city area bordered on the north side by the Ohio River. From the southernmost border of Newport to the state line is probably not much more than a mile.

Still though, how far would you let someone drive before it became a "problem" ?

[Hollis]

I suppose it boils down to how far is acceptable for an officer to let someone drive before they pull over. A couple of blocks maybe. A mile? That's kind of pushing it, IMO (in the city I worked in - a mile could put you into another state entirely). Regardless, if I'm the officer, as soon as a vehicle doesn't stop when I hit my light bar - I'm going to be on the radio saying "the vehicle is refusing to stop". At that point anyone who isn't busy is going to come along to see what's up. Charges vary from state to state, but I can almost guarantee that you'd be charged with something in addition to whatever you were being pulled over for to begin with.

An officer may opt to not charge you based on that explanation, or it may be a defense in court - but again, I can almost guarantee additional charges for refusing to stop.

Edit: Not to mention that what would have been a "normal" traffic stop could very well become a "high-risk" (i.e. lots of cops pointing shooty things at you) traffic stop when the driver did finally stop.


Actually if the driver does not "rabbit" stays within the law and proceeds to a Safe place, nothing would probably be done, if the officer is in a Unmarked unit, even in a unmarked unit, safety for all concern is paramount. Cops have followed people home to their drive way. Generally Tail light chasers cars are not Undercover cars. Being unmarked does not mean not identifiable (such as having lights in Grill, wig wags, bull horn, etc).

I doubt if anyone has been cited for failure to stop from a unmarked car citing safety, when they maintain all the driving laws until they felt it was safe to stop. Also Marked units would be called to assist in the stop.

If it extremely foolish for a officer to force a stop in a unmarked unit by themselves for a mere traffic violation. Felony stops require multiple units to respond and is a extremely serious situation in protecting the safety of the officers and occupants of the stopped car.

[2Sheds_Jackson]

This is not a simple black and white issue.

:cantbeli: Oh sweet fancy Moses.

[Buckeye67]

Again, I was a police officer, so I'm not just forming an opinion out of my arse, and as I said where I worked, in the space of a mile someone could be (on an interstate) heading into another state.

I have to head out for a while, but how far would you let someone drive before it strays from a "safety concern" to attempting to elude? Cincinnati a few years back had a slow-speed "pursuit" for (if memory serves) about 40 minutes before the woman stopped (at her home) through multiple jurisdictions. Is that reasonable? I don't recall exactly what all she was charged with - but is it unresonable to expect her to be charged?

[Hollis]

:cantbeli: Oh sweet fancy Moses.


Do you remember the TV series, Adam 12?

In the intro to it, "King Mary Adam",,,,,,,,,,, They pulled one over the censors on that one.

[Hollis]

Again, I was a police officer, so I'm not just forming an opinion out of my arse, and as I said where I worked, in the space of a mile someone could be (on an interstate) heading into another state.

I have to head out for a while, but how far would you let someone drive before it strays from a "safety concern" to attempting to elude? Cincinnati a few years back had a slow-speed "pursuit" for (if memory serves) about 40 minutes before the woman stopped (at her home) through multiple jurisdictions. Is that reasonable? I don't recall exactly what all she was charged with - but is it unresonable to expect her to be charged?


What can you say, rectral crainial inversion, Up to the DA/watch commander. Even then the Judge can have a completely different view. Another agency popped a women for illegal carry of a fire arm, carrying conceal with out a permit. She had the pistol in her purse, Judge dismissed it, saying ,"where else to you expect a women to carry it?"

[Buckeye67]

What can you say, rectral crainial inversion, Up to the DA/watch commander. Even then the Judge can have a completely different view. Another agency popped a women for illegal carry of a fire arm, carrying conceal with out a permit. She had the pistol in her purse, Judge dismissed it, saying ,"where else to you expect a women to carry it?"

I agree, which is why I previously said:



An officer may opt to not charge you based on that explanation, or it may be a defense in court - but again, I can almost guarantee additional charges for refusing to stop.


I'd add to that, based on CJ's example, that a rural department running traffic on poorly-lit roads may have additional SOP's dealing with the subject - that's more than fine. In my AO there were no poorly lit rural roads. So not stopping because you "didn't feel safe" being pulled over is something of a stretch.

Off to lunch. See y'all later.

[Warden]

In the Uk Unmarked Police Cars will give chase but when Marked Units arrive they take over, also the police are in uniform, ****loads of Aerials on the roof and no smoking Stickers on all the windows (Scotland)

In Fife the Local Constabulary's idea of an unmarked car is a regular patrol car with the decals taken off so you can see where the paint has faded and still says "Police" in bright white next to the dirty grey of the car.

[welshmann]

If you see a Vauxall Omega in the UK its a Unmarked traffic car or Minicab

Omega???they still use them?those volvos look a tasty car,Lotus carlton,that was the best.

[Violet Fashion by Mindy]

I got pulled over a few years back for a RBT in a dodgy area of Newcastle. (medium industrial/mixed residential/commercial area with high crime and is also Newcastle's local red light district)

To cut a long story short I kept driving, went around the block to the nearest service station. There was no way in the world was I going to stop in this suburb for anyone. Even a marked copper. (We will just forget about the part where my mates were stopped chatting to a hooker about a blow job) but the cops accepted our reasons for going to a service station.

But there is also notices here that advise motorists to keep driving until it is safe for them to do so and if in doubt about the circumstances drive to a well lit built up area preferably a gas station where emergency assistance can be arranged

[Laconian]

Although unmarked units running radar or traffic enforcement are pretty common but the operator will be in uniform. Plainclothes officers doing same are rare, in fact I've never heard of it. IIRC, the Hillside Strangler (or one of those CA serial killers) used his cousin's (a reserve cop) light and badge to get their victims. Usually, an unmarked car with a plainclothes officer will have to call for a marked unit anyway, because he probably doesn't have a cite book with him, if they even bother to try a stop for traffic. If its a bunch of cars are trying to make a stop its going to be hi-risk with guns and smoke and fire and jello and stuff.

I've told my wife that if she ever gets lit up and feels hinky about the stop to put on her hazards, drive slow to a lit area (night) or open store (day) and call 911 on her cell. If all they have is traffic, chances are they are not going to snatch her out the car and turn it into a felony stop. Then explain to the copper that her husband is on the job and she did what I told her to do.

[California Joe]

^That's exactly what I told my wife.

[JJC]

I could smell an undercover popo from miles away. I use the BELT pkway here and there are couple of highway units that are so lazy to change their hide outs that a lot of my friends have learned their routine and hide outs.

[Hypno85]

There are loads of unmarked police cars in the UK i only know due to having family members who are police officers which can pick out unmarked cars. Ive been pulled over by a unmarked police car on the way home from work about 9pm (nothing serious though). I thought oh s**t! pulled over cop came to me and just said your back lights are going on and off for a couple minutes. Lucky me was just lose connection as it was a old car quicky fixed it with electrical tape and was on my way he followed me home so in case they went off again.

[SHAM]

It used to be the case you could always spot unmarked squad cars a mile off in Ireland, ford mondeo, dark navy blue or some other dark colour, regular steel rims, blue flashing LED's secreeted in the area of the rear lisence plate or rear window.
But recently they have been upgrading it seems, recently got pulled over by a cop in a new beemer, after overtaking him on a solid white line!

[redhawk_six]

Although unmarked units running radar or traffic enforcement are pretty common but the operator will be in uniform. Plainclothes officers doing same are rare, in fact I've never heard of it. IIRC, the Hillside Strangler (or one of those CA serial killers) used his cousin's (a reserve cop) light and badge to get their victims. Usually, an unmarked car with a plainclothes officer will have to call for a marked unit anyway, because he probably doesn't have a cite book with him, if they even bother to try a stop for traffic. If its a bunch of cars are trying to make a stop its going to be hi-risk with guns and smoke and fire and jello and stuff.

I've told my wife that if she ever gets lit up and feels hinky about the stop to put on her hazards, drive slow to a lit area (night) or open store (day) and call 911 on her cell. If all they have is traffic, chances are they are not going to snatch her out the car and turn it into a felony stop. Then explain to the copper that her husband is on the job and she did what I told her to do.

Exactly what I was about to say, good thing I read the entire thread before posting... :lol:

Any unmarked vehicle doing traffic duty will be driven by a uniformed officer. Plain clothed officers in an unmarked car are usually up to something more 'important' to be doing traffic stops.
If a plain clothed officer in unmarked car tries to pull you over, drive slowly to a busy area and call 911 to confirm it is a real officer.

In many places, most actually, it's illegal for civilans to use blue lights on their car. Real police strobes can normally only be found at police supply companies, the rotating lights easily available to civilans are not generally used by north american police forces anymore. Many North American police forces now use LED strobes. If someone with an old halogn rotating light in an unmarked car is trying to pull you over, call 911 to confirm it is a real officer. Another thing, most police vehicles, especially unmarked cars, are decked out with many, many lights for better visiblity. Common placement, aside from the front dash, is in the grill, on push bars, on the wing mirrors, and wig-wag (headlight alternating storbe). These days, it's very rare for someone to impersonate an officer.

I like the idea of unmarked cars. Simply having marked cars doesnt really do much, as once the marked car is gone, the people go back to driving like idiots and putting others lives at risk. It's simply not good enough to say that people will stop speeding and driving dangerously when there's a marked car around. The goal is to have them driving safely even when there isnt a marked car nearby. Having unmarked cars that dont look like normal police vehicles around makes them think twice. Driving the highway to work, I've seen the unmarked cars pull people over far more then I've seen the marked cars pull people over. That right there shows the need for them, and that they work.

[2Sheds_Jackson]

I often wonder why so many #$% strobes etc. are necessary. Some departments seem to do just fine with the $200 bubblegum rotating light on top. Why, in a metro area, where it never really gets dark (daylight just turns orange at night) does a cop car need $5000 worth of lights? Feh. I'm sure they could pay some expert somewhere to write a paper on how the very latest whatever is absolutely crucial.

[redhawk_six]

They need all the lights to grab people's attention, because many people today are too busy with their cellphones or eatting to watch the road....

People dont pay attention, a couple of bubblegum lights arent enough anymore. Even with all the lights and the loud siren, people still dont seem to see them. There are still too many officers being injured in accidents while they've got someone pulled over...

[SBL]

As I understand it, it's the way of the future. My buddy in the State troopers tells me there are a lot of departments out there either toning-down the markings or phasing out marked cars all together. Good thing I've got sharp eyes!p-)

[Hollis]

As I understand it, it's the way of the future. My buddy in the State troopers tells me there are a lot of departments out there either toning-down the markings or phasing out marked cars all together. Good thing I've got sharp eyes!p-)


Marked units are proven to reduce the occurrence of certain crimes, they are beneficial in neighbor hood watch and burglary prevention programs.

Some old marked units often gets parked on a side street near the corner of a busy street, it will slow things down. One local PD, has a large stuffed bear in the driver seat.

[Laconian]

I often wonder why so many #$% strobes etc. are necessary. Some departments seem to do just fine with the $200 bubblegum rotating light on top. Why, in a metro area, where it never really gets dark (daylight just turns orange at night) does a cop car need $5000 worth of lights? Feh. I'm sure they could pay some expert somewhere to write a paper on how the very latest whatever is absolutely crucial.

Visibility on the old gum drop lights wasn't far enough out, so strobes and then 360 deg strobes came out. IIRC from an article I read in LAW & ORDER years ago, it came from the need to get lights out before the car hit an intersection, say for a pursuit. Also, the harsh brightness seems to attract DUI drivers less. There were a slew of instances of drunks going down the road and being attracted to the lower speed, lower power (incandescence?) of the old lights and smashing into units on other stops. The strobes were found to be of a frequency/brightness that diminished the occurrence. I think it was the Michigan SP that sponsored did the study. But it was probably a rep from one of the light companies that came up with the stats

[EvanL]

Maybe you should spend more time obeying the laws and less about getting caught breaking them.

[cylexx75]

all are unmarked cars are supervisor cars or belong to the Detective division/Narotics. They come in handy catching car thiefs , drug sales. they dont use them for traffic usually, but if your behind a vehicle and they have expired registration or something like that they will get ya. none of ours have radars in them.

[Danik]

I could smell an undercover popo from miles away. I use the BELT pkway here and there are couple of highway units that are so lazy to change their hide outs that a lot of my friends have learned their routine and hide outs.

roflroflrofl

I think if u tested us seperately, we would be able to come up with the exact same spots. I love those idiots.

[Mr.K]

I'm not quite sure what the complaint is. Are you implying that somehow because the police vehicle is unmarked that it will somehow induce you to commit some sort of crime and/or traffic violation (that you otherwise wouldn't have) and is therefore unfair?

The complaint is: the cop can lure you in committing an offense. And there is no chance of proving it , unless you have it on tape.

[remo williams]

In my area the state police use pontiac sunfires, minivans,suv's, as well as chargers, but they are rarely seen around these parts. I remember a few yrs back that they were going to not use unmarked cars for traffic duty in response to a troopers wife getting raped. Last summer I saw they were at it again, but I've yet to see any this yr. I think that while they enable the officer to spot offenders without tipping them off to his location, it is way too easy to mimic these cars for nefarious purposes. If the budgets would allow, I'm sure alot of agencies might opt to switch to Chargers, as the Crown Vic's are ****e to explode upon rear end impact. Unless they've fixed that little problem.

[redhawk_six]

The complaint is: the cop can lure you in committing an offense. And there is no chance of proving it , unless you have it on tape.

How can a traffic cop in an unmarked car lure you into committing an offence?

[remo williams]

The complaint is: the cop can lure you in committing an offense. And there is no chance of proving it , unless you have it on tape.

As in maybe hanging out in your blind spot, and bag you as you accelerate away and ahead of him? That I understand, but you've still lawyers and not guilty pleas for that. If he gets you speeding through a work zone, then I think you're fair game.

[helomech]

I could smell an undercover popo from miles away. I use the BELT pkway here and there are couple of highway units that are so lazy to change their hide outs that a lot of my friends have learned their routine and hide outs.

Hahaha...popo!First time I heard that was from a retired cop I know..He also said when they would be rolling through a neighborhood they would hear the expression '99!"...

When I lived in K-Bay in the 80's,the cops there had unmarked Monte Carlos-sneaky ba_stards back then..

[Calanen]

Here's the issue.

red and blue flashers are avilible anywere, as are sirens and headlight flashers.

Who's to say it's a cop pulling you over?

.

You'd have to spend a lot of money and go to a lot of trouble to copy our unmarked cop cars. They are not just like the single red flasher light in Starsky and Hutch that gets thrown on the roof. They have strobes underneath them, read and blue flashing lights in the grill, their headlights alternate flashing. Ok you could build all that as a civilian, but its pretty unlikely.

[treads]

In most Australian states it is a requirement that an emergency vehicle on urgent duty shows at least one blue light visible for 360 degrees. This means that unmarked cars are not permitted to initiate pursuits, etc.

IMO unmarked cars are great for undercover work such as surveillance, but useless for traffic duties. People slow down when they see a marked police car. Deterrence is idea isn't it? ;-)

[Thor]

You'd have to spend a lot of money and go to a lot of trouble to copy our unmarked cop cars.
When it comes to police cars I recon many people have less of a problem with spending a few bucks so that they can have "their own" unmarked police car.

Over here they have lights flashing but I believe they also regularly drive up alongside and hold out a police "spade".

And yes, unmarked police cars have a tendency to try to provoke fellow motorists. In my case a few years ago they drove up just a few meters behind me and remained in that position, which made me think "what is this ****ing idiot up to" and accelerate.

[Molon labe]

The fact of the matter is that "unmarked" Police cars are seldom unrecognized by the public.This is very different from a purpose built surveillance vehicle which is usually totally non-descript.
Low profile or "unmarked" cars are useful in traffic enforcement as speeders are usually right on them before recognizing them for Police vehicles.

[makavelli]

Plenty of our traffic coppers operate in this way, along with cameras and hidden cameras, it's just part and parcel of the Australian revenue raising motoring experience.


The NSW Police Service's fleet of marked speed camera vehicles is being phased out with the RTA taking over control of mobile speed traps. Last year the state hauled in $33.4 million in revenue from 350,524 speeding fines.
from
http://www.news.com.au/sundaytelegraph/story/0,,21848753-5001021,00.html

that much money could buy more flashy cars..:bash:

id prefer installing more camera rather than fancy cars:)

[remo williams]

http://www.longislandpress.com/?cp=162&show=article&a_id=9725
http://www.newsday.com/news/printedition/longisland/ny-licop055243294jun05,0,2413501.story?coll=ny-linews-print

It's way to easy to get this stuff. If you go to the police garace in a city nearby, you can buy the strobe lights out of the old cruisers, as the new ones have them on arrival. And fake badges can't be much harder to get.

[LEGEND]

In new york cops drive any kind of cars they want while undercover, police department even has crown vics painted as cabs.

[SBL]

^That's true pretty much anywhere. "Unmarked" and "undercover" are two different concepts. p-)

[Hollis]

^That's true pretty much anywhere. "Unmarked" and "undercover" are two different concepts. p-)

That is very true. Around here most "undercover" cars are cars that have been siezed from arrests. Looks like any other car on the road, Plates and all.

Unmarked cars are not completely "unmarked" Maybe door decals, Exempt License plates, Generally for traffic operation the over head light bar is not used. Grill mounts or wig wags are used instead. Generally from one's rear view mirror they don't look special.

[SBL]

Generally from one's rear view mirror they don't look special.

Just keep your eyes peeled for any Crown Vics with extra antennae and strange dash-mounts.p-)

[Bia]

As long as you folks who don't want to pull over for an unmarked polcie vehicle are willing to deal with the additional charges and/or arrest subsequent to your finally stopping or being stopped, it's all copasetic.
When I lived in Jax Fl there was a series of women/girls being pulled over by unmarked cars and the person had complete fake ID and lights etc etc and attempted many assaults....

The police told the public if they felt unsure of an unmarked pull over to drive... slowly, lol... to as public of an area as possible and only crack the window open an inch and request for a uniformed officer.... they said if the unmarked officer was legit... they have the policy to call marked cruiser and not apply additional charges and help the citizen feel at ease as much as possible.

There's usually a logical way to deal with things.

[EvanL]

When I lived in Jax Fl there was a series of women/girls being pulled over by unmarked cars and the person had complete fake ID and lights etc etc and attempted many assaults....

The police told the public if they felt unsure of an unmarked pull over to drive... slowly, lol... to as public of an area as possible and only crack the window open an inch and request for a uniformed officer.... they said if the unmarked officer was legit... they have the policy to call marked cruiser and not apply additional charges and help the citizen feel at ease as much as possible.

There's usually a logical way to deal with things.
Up here you can just dial 911 on your cellphone and ask if the car pulling them over is in fact an actual unit. Just don't try speeding away from them while doing it.

[schwarz]

Heres one for you. Has anyone else seen cars where people take red and blue plastic cups and tape them to the roof of their car. You wouldnt think they would look like a police car but from a distance and on a Crown Vick, Tahoe and Durangos make you look twice. I thought it was just some jackass the first time I saw one then I saw about 3 in the same day then a few months later I saw them again in VA.

[dunkin]

I like the unmarked cars the Germans use. Nice black 5 series BMWs, they have a little flip up display in the back window that, when they want you to pull over flips up and reads . . . Police . . . Follow me . . . (in German and English). They also have the flush mounted lights.














Yes I've been pulled over by them before. They didn't like the way I had a load secured in the bed of my truck. No ticket, they just didn't want if flying out on the Autobahn, so they helped my tie it down better.

[Kroforit]

My city has been recently flooded with unmarked police cars, and not the usual chevys, crown victorias and fords, but many different makes, including large and small pick ups. For a month, every day routinely, at 6 in the morning i saw a white pick up truck pulling cars over at the same spot.
But what really got my attention is the cab with tinted windows, of one of our popular cab companies, racing through downtown with a wailing siren and ussual disco lights. Ive seen that cab later on, and even asked plain-clothed cop coming out of it if he was a detective: he paused, smiled and said, "shhh". Later for some reason they turned this cab to look ALMOST like it was the cab from the same cab company, they changed cab markings a little, although markings still look the same they are now of a lighter color with a slightly changed name.
I guess the lease from the cab company ended and they turned it into their own "police cab". This one definately targets foreigners and not city residents, since residents can easily recognize that the car is not the actual cab.

[gaijinsamurai]

Where I work (Parole & Probation in Portland, Oregon) we use Crown Victorias with the cage in back and spotlight on the drver's side, and it's funny how we are spotted so easily in the African-American neighborhoods. We usually get really cold, hateful glares.

[Kroforit]

Where I work (Parole & Probation in Portland, Oregon) we use Crown Victorias with the cage in back and spotlight on the drver's side, and it's funny how we are spotted so easily in the African-American neighborhoods. We usually get really cold, hateful glares.

Do you perceive anything or have to act somehow when you get a "cold stare" from someone as you drive by in a police car?

[gaijinsamurai]

Depends. If it's a kid, I smile. If it's an adult, I just nod my head in a respectful manner and go about my business. Some of the people in the neighborhoods are outright criminals or gang members, and others are merely citizens who've had bad experiences with cops. I make a point to treat everyone with respect, or at least try to.

[Kroforit]

Depends. If it's a kid, I smile. If it's an adult, I just nod my head in a respectful manner and go about my business. Some of the people in the neighborhoods are outright criminals or gang members, and others are merely citizens who've had bad experiences with cops. I make a point to treat everyone with respect, or at least try to.

I see.

1234

[EvanL]

Where I work (Parole & Probation in Portland, Oregon) we use Crown Victorias with the cage in back and spotlight on the drver's side, and it's funny how we are spotted so easily in the African-American neighborhoods. We usually get really cold, hateful glares.
I do volunteer work with the police weekly and one of the thigns we do are home security inspections and when we go on them we have to take the unmarked police minivan. It's just a regular minivan, but the neighbourhood officers use it and all the crackheads and dealers know it. So even when it's not cops driving it and you drive through some of the shadier neighbourhoods you see them scatter like ants.

[gaijinsamurai]

That's always fun!
I have to admit, I've "chased" a few people I knew who had warrants, with no intention of arresting, just to mess with them. It's always good for a laugh.

[Laconian]

^^It was always a hoot to pull up to a street corner known for open air drug sales, screech to a halt and throw open the doors. Runners would scatter, usually chased by a rookie. The senior cops would get out and toss those that didn't run; they were usually holding, or hangin' around by the stash. The rookies would come back winded,usually without somebody, and wonder how we had made an arrest. If they had somebody you would ask, "Whatcha got on him?" They would get this confused look and say, "But, but he ran!" Answered with, "Running illegal nowadays, rook?" Good times, good times.

[EvanL]

^^It was always a hoot to pull up to a street corner known for open air drug sales, screech to a halt and throw open the doors. Runners would scatter, usually chased by a rookie. The senior cops would get out and toss those that didn't run; they were usually holding, or hangin' around by the stash. The rookies would come back winded,usually without somebody, and wonder how we had made an arrest. If they had somebody you would ask, "Whatcha got on him?" They would get this confused look and say, "But, but he ran!" Answered with, "Running illegal nowadays, rook?" Good times, good times.
Hahaha. I bet you're pretty old school eh Laconian? I bet you're the same guy that seems to always have to brake for deer while you're driving your arrest back to the station.:)

[Laconian]

There were no deer where I worked but we called stray dogs "zone deer." Yessir, I've done a screen test or two. If I do that now though they just fly up to the front seat, which is not nearly as amusing. Very few G-cars have cages.

[EvanL]

There were no deer where I worked but we called stray dogs "zone deer." Yessir, I've done a screen test or two. If I do that now though they just fly up to the front seat, which is not nearly as amusing. Very few G-cars have cages.
My equivalent of that is "having a doorframe too small to fit through". Sometimes the guys who fight me always seem to be too small to fit through the doorframe properly.

[Laconian]

Hey, sh%t happens...

[California Joe]

"Anyone that runs is VC.....Anyone that doesn't run is a well disciplined VC..."


p-)

[EvanL]

"Anyone that runs is VC.....Anyone that doesn't run is a well disciplined VC..."


p-)
What makes the grass grow?

[~center~]

^^It was always a hoot to pull up to a street corner known for open air drug sales, screech to a halt and throw open the doors. Runners would scatter, usually chased by a rookie. The senior cops would get out and toss those that didn't run; they were usually holding, or hangin' around by the stash. The rookies would come back winded,usually without somebody, and wonder how we had made an arrest. If they had somebody you would ask, "Whatcha got on him?" They would get this confused look and say, "But, but he ran!" Answered with, "Running illegal nowadays, rook?" Good times, good times.

LMAO! So true.

I remember one of my first patrols, we responded to an alarm at a car wash. When we got there the roll-up garage was a quarter of the way open so I went inside to check it out (at the suggestion of my FTO) and he was gonna go around back. Well, what really happened was he ran inside and turned on the car wash while I was walking down the middle of the car lane. It sucks to be the rookie on patrol.
Looking back on it now, that sh!t was hilarious. :)

[Dispatcher]

My equivalent of that is "having a doorframe too small to fit through". Sometimes the guys who fight me always seem to be too small to fit through the doorframe properly.


"suspect damaged government issued patrolcar by smashing his head into the side...............................6 times."



Memories..

[EvanL]

LMAO! So true.

I remember one of my first patrols, we responded to an alarm at a car wash. When we got there the roll-up garage was a quarter of the way open so I went inside to check it out (at the suggestion of my FTO) and he was gonna go around back. Well, what really happened was he ran inside and turned on the car wash while I was walking down the middle of the car lane. It sucks to be the rookie on patrol.
Looking back on it now, that sh!t was hilarious. :)
That's funny but it would have sucked if you got one of those mops in the jewels. Those things are heavy and move fast.

[~center~]

That's funny but it would have sucked if you got one of those mops in the jewels. Those things are heavy and move fast.

Yea, at the time I was pretty pissed, and I do love my jewels. :)

[Migman]

So I saw something even more interesting the other day. Seems like the Seminole County Sheriff's Department now uses unmarked Honda Accords for traffic enforcement. I nearly shat my pants when I saw one pulling over some poor sod who was speeding on toll road 417.

[onefast93z28]

Florida is big on using seized cars as unmarked ones. They use seized drug money to outfit them...

[Merfeller]

In Milwaukee the Sheriff's Dept. operates an old, unmarked GMC Safari minivan. I just about laughed my ass off when I saw it pull over a yuppie kid in an Infiniti G35 the other day. Also, in the Green Bay area, I've seen unmarked Lincoln Towncars. Who knows? Maybe they're trying to blend in with all the old folks and snowbirds up there.

[Death.]

So I saw something even more interesting the other day. Seems like the Seminole County Sheriff's Department now uses unmarked Honda Accords for traffic enforcement. I nearly shat my pants when I saw one pulling over some poor sod who was speeding on toll road 417.

rofl what a joke.

our county is still using mostly Vics, they just recently updated them all with new stuff. We have 1 or 2 5.0's that sit in the department lot. Police units that patrol the bridge to Pensacola beach are all blacked out, unmarked Suburbans, Mustangs, Chargers. No one speeds on that bridge at night.

The unmarked crown vics are just as easy to spot as the marked ones, though. I mean they could have put a little more effort into the "undercover" aspect of them.

The cops in our town are all good folk though and are pretty laid back as far as vehicles go.

[zonk]

i personally think unmarked cars are a great idea, keeps you on your toes.....

[Evolv5]

Here in Brussels I've seen some black VW Golfs that look like civilian cars (from a distance. But once you get closer, you see "Police" in dark gray, along with some very dark blue sirens.

[Mrufka]

Warsaw, Poland.
Ford Mondeo ST 220, Opel Vectra V6 turbo and BMW K 1200
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/2292/507962a62ec9nf1.th.jpg (http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=507962a62ec9nf1.jpg)
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/6928/507920a90a79dx5.th.jpg (http://img338.imageshack.us/my.php?image=507920a90a79dx5.jpg)
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/3590/507932b263e8uq3.th.jpg (http://img20.imageshack.us/my.php?image=507932b263e8uq3.jpg)
http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/7687/507944b6244bpt6.th.jpg (http://img77.imageshack.us/my.php?image=507944b6244bpt6.jpg)

[D-gin]

i personally think unmarked cars are a great idea, keeps you on your toes.....
You wouldn't be saying that if your car could go faster then 75mph. p-)



Funny enough I saw an unmarked Mustang GT today, Couldn't make out the uniform of the driver he was with one of the PD's around here.

[zonk]

my car can make it faster than 75 mph i have proof


http://www.youtube.com/v/_-qxfi9JA64

zonk drives faster than the speed limit documented


http://www.youtube.com/v/R1g7Th9rzU8

something i saw reminded me of clete

[Smok]

Warsaw, Poland.
Ford Mondeo ST 220, Opel Vectra V6 turbo and BMW K 1200
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/2292/507962a62ec9nf1.th.jpg (http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=507962a62ec9nf1.jpg)
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/6928/507920a90a79dx5.th.jpg (http://img338.imageshack.us/my.php?image=507920a90a79dx5.jpg)
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/3590/507932b263e8uq3.th.jpg (http://img20.imageshack.us/my.php?image=507932b263e8uq3.jpg)
http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/7687/507944b6244bpt6.th.jpg (http://img77.imageshack.us/my.php?image=507944b6244bpt6.jpg)

Police in my city uses Opel Vectra 2.8 lites (special police version - not available for civilians). Our police bought these monsters together with german police (first common UE purchase in Poland)

[D-gin]

my car can make it faster than 75 mph i have proof


http://www.youtube.com/v/_-qxfi9JA64

zonk drives faster than the speed limit documented

Didn't your momma ever teach you to keep both eyes on the road at all time.

[shocker1]

SECTION 1.
Code Section 40-1-7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the requirement that officers enforcing traffic laws have a blue light on the roof of their vehicles, is amended by striking the Code section and inserting in lieu thereof a new Code Section 40-1-7 to read as follows:
"40-1-7.
Whenever pursuing a person in violation of a traffic related offense, a uniformed law enforcement officer who is assigned routinely or primarily to traffic law enforcement or other traffic safety duties on the roadways or highways of this state must place a visible blue light on the roof of his or her vehicle if such vehicle is not equipped with permanent exterior mounted roof blue lights:)
http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2005_06/fulltext/sb64.htm

[zonk]

Didn't your momma ever teach you to keep both eyes on the road at all time.


my mom is the one i suspect who passed down adhd. she is equally as bad about not watching the road. i actually filmed this while watching the road, i just had the camera in my hand aiming it at random things

[Laconian]

SECTION 1.
Code Section 40-1-7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the requirement that officers enforcing traffic laws have a blue light on the roof of their vehicles, is amended by striking the Code section and inserting in lieu thereof a new Code Section 40-1-7 to read as follows:
"40-1-7.
Whenever pursuing a person in violation of a traffic related offense, a uniformed law enforcement officer who is assigned routinely or primarily to traffic law enforcement or other traffic safety duties on the roadways or highways of this state must place a visible blue light on the roof of his or her vehicle if such vehicle is not equipped with permanent exterior mounted roof blue lights:)
http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2005_06/fulltext/sb64.htm

Scroll down in the statute a little further, shocker. Doesn't apply to all LEVs. SOs & PDs can have one car per agency that are basically slick-tops and the GSP can have 2 cars per post that don't have visible light bars. Keep yer eyes peeled.

[shocker1]

Oh I know, I was stirring the pot a bit with deliberate omission but no one cared. Maybe get a Kojak car chase vid or somethin posted.:) Heck GSP is using unmarked Hemi Chargers and the Sheriff has a few drug bust cars, they use em.

[remo williams]

Scroll down in the statute a little further, shocker. Doesn't apply to all LEVs. SOs & PDs can have one car per agency that are basically slick-tops and the GSP can have 2 cars per post that don't have visible light bars. Keep yer eyes peeled.



Have you seen a noticeable variance in this statute from state to state? In the city I currently live in, I've seen no less than 2 posted at the city traffic division pd.

[Will938]

That's great that they have an unmarked car, just don't expect me to stop until a marked cruiser pulls me over or allow anyone to approach my window unless they're in a uniform.

[punchinout]

Around here, on the freeways and in town seen unmarked Crown Vics, Impalas, Yukons, Chargers, a Taurus here and there, further up north near Bellingham saw an unmarked Chevy pickup doin traffic stops.

Souped up unmarked Chargers seem to be all the rage now.

[Calanen]

http://www.inthejob.com/nswdaveXCFalcon.jpg

None of them were a match for the Interceptor.

[Calanen]

Relatively recent NSW unmarked:

http://www.inthejob.com/nsw_macca_Mvc-727s.jpg

[Thumpsquid]

*sigh* I remember when the South Wales constabulary still had white Jaguars as unmarked cars, You could never tell if they were going to a wedding, or serving a warrant.

[Laconian]

Have you seen a noticeable variance in this statute from state to state? In the city I currently live in, I've seen no less than 2 posted at the city traffic division pd.
I have no idea. I don't recall ever seeing an unmarked FL HP car although I saw numerous slick tops. I've often seen unmarked NJSP cars on the NJ Turnpike and Parkway. As far as municipalities go, I don't know enough of the state statutes to give you an answer.

Edit to add: Nice looking car for NSW.

[Migman]

Oh I know, I was stirring the pot a bit with deliberate omission but no one cared. Maybe get a Kojak car chase vid or somethin posted.:) Heck GSP is using unmarked Hemi Chargers and the Sheriff has a few drug bust cars, they use em.

Those unmarked GSP Hemi Chargers are badass. I saw a few when I was driving through GA this past summer.

[170/1]

NZ has unmarked Holden Commodoresand Subaru's - a very effective tool not just for road policing (if you don't want the fine then don't speed - simple I know) but for getting close to criminal offending as well.