just curious...about the cops..

[mikelebz]

I see police cars driving without their lights on, with slowly flashing white lights, with slowly flashing red and blue lights, and fast flashing red and blue and white.

why do the cops here sometimes drive normally with the slowly flashing lights and what is the difference between when they drive with the white vs. the red and blue?

thanks

 

[nate0123]

I don't know of any "code" to the different displays of lights; however, I believe the lights in general are an effort to increase police visibility and increase at least the perception of safety.

Here you go: http://www.nowpublic.com/lights_camera_confusion_washington_dcs_police_lights_problem

 

[mikelebz]

that puts things in perspective. that is really annoying.

thanks

 

[meGrimlock]

old thread, but i'm waiting around for some PMs and replies to my posts. the flash patterns are really up to the mfg. and some are indeed programmable. i don't actually think there is any rhyme or reason to the different patterns. some police forces have codes to determine the stages for lights, ie. in pursuit (full siren and lights) or safety (lights only), etc.

 

[T2T]

Well, when you consider it's the DC police department, there's probably no rhyme or reason for why, where and when they use the lights. After many years of falling under the Honorable Mayor, Marion Barry, just about anything goes in DC. (dark)