The Danville Police Department is phasing in new light bars with “cruise lights” on top of patrol vehicles. The cruise lights are located on the outer corners of the light bar. Instead of flashing, the cruise lights will be on all the time in the traditional red and blue colors.
The cruise lights will be used when driving normally or parked in neighborhoods. With increased use in other areas of the country, studies have shown that their use has helped deter crime. Other departments electing to use cruise lights have reported that they are a way for people to easily locate an officer when they need assistance and an additional way for residents to know the police are on patrol in the area.
These lights also help to identify patrol vehicles in situations where officers may be outside of the vehicle conducting investigations, without causing too much attention with flashing lights. The lights can be switched off when an officer is conducting surveillance or enforcing traffic laws.
Cruise lights are currently being deployed by agencies nationwide.
