New Patrol Vehicle?

[mud]

I was heading north on 880 tonight through San Leandro when I saw a brown Ford Bronco/GMC Jimmy type SUV, soutbound in the #1 lane, with a grill full of flashing red and blue lights. The driver had matching red and blue lights strapped to his visors as well, also activated.

As he passed by (he seemed to either be in close persuit of a clueless/running minivan or couldn't get by) I noticed he did not have a light bar on top, but did have strobes in his tail light assemblies.

Sound familiar?

While I'm at it, I had the understanding that an officer cannot issue a traffic sitation if the officer is not in uniform and/or in a marked vehicle. Any truth to that?

 

[silversvs]

Could have been anyone; undercover city cop, undercover sheriff, FBI, DEA, Secret Service, ATF, BNE, etc etc. You never know who you are driving next to. Lots and lots of unmarked officers out there with plenty of jurisdiction to pop you if you do something stupid. Most have other things to do though.

I remember one time when I was working street crimes with my partner. We were in a throwdown car and wearing jeans and a t-shirt. A car full of teenagers comes alongside with their stereo thumping. I start bopping my head to the music. The front seat passenger gets offended and tells me to "f%^k off". Shocked the crap out of the kid when I lit them up. I got the last laugh when I finished writing the driver for about 8 different mechanical violations. I told him to have his passenger pay for the fines, and maybe next time realize you never know who you are smarting off to.

 

[motorman4life]

I don't know what agency it was.. it could have been any of a few dozen, like silversvs mentioned.

While I'm at it, I had the understanding that an officer cannot issue a traffic situation if the officer is not in uniform and/or in a marked vehicle. Any truth to that?

The law requires that a vehicle used PRIMARILY for traffic enforcement by clearly marked and that any officer assigned primarily to traffic duties be in a distinctive police uniform. Any law enforcement officer can make a lawful traffic stop with a single solid red light to the front.

That is why red or blue lamps, semi-transparent red or blue windscreens and colored hood fins that can give the appearance of a red or blue light in a rearview mirror will draw such ire.

It is worth noting that while they will operate a variety of vehicles in a myriad of colors, the CHP has a policy (since 99% of their officers are designated as "traffic officers") that all of their cars must have their standard door stickers. I'm not sure about the reflective Highway Patrol markings on the trunk.. I believe they may be required by internal policy also.