I just got back from a week long drive school at the MSP facility where I drove one of the 2011 Chargers with the LED beacon. There were also several other cars there with the traditional RV-26 using both Spitfire and solid domes. All 9 students in the class who are LEO's with careers ranging from 3 years to 20+ years agreed hands down the LED beacon was far more visible. We were there this past week when there practically wasn't a cloud in the sky most days and temps were over 100 degrees in bright sunlight. The track covers about 42 acres so the cars ended up being a good distance away and were still very visible. Keep in mind, these lights are on a on-off-on rocker switch that allows for high power or low power operation. There is a significant difference in the two intensity levels and when switched to low power mode during the day it is very noticeable. It is certainly a different look, no arguing that, and probably not appealing to some. Personally it is growing on me. I like the look of the old Spitfire with its pinkish hue, but I would feel just as safe using the LED beacon as the next guy with a full lightbar on the roads I have in my patrol area.
Most of the cars had the beacons set to differnt flash patterns at the track. They used the track as a place to see what looked good and what did not work as well. Several were set to rotator pattern. Everyone will have their own preference on patterns...some looked good to me...some did not.
They said that the MSP has about 630 marked patrol cars across the state. Most of which have the beacon on the roof, so thats around 1200 bulbs. I asked what annual costs were for replacing the ligthbulbs and was told typically they have averaged about $60,000 a year in replacement bulbs. Since they have begun phasing in the LED beacons on new cars and on old lights that have failed that cost has been reduced. They spent about $30,000 in replacement bulbs last year. Is it a good choice financially for the State? Not my place to say, I don't know. I can see how after phasing out the old lights there is a potential to save a large amount of money. Depends on what they do with the saved money I think to show if its a smart move.
Just like each member here prefers their favorite brand/light, MSP likes their tradition and found a way to modernize the light while maintaining the traditional look of their agency. I say good for them.
I uploaded a video I took with my phone from the last day showing a couple of the beacons. This was the really the only cloudy day there, but it still gives a good idea of the light. The second video shows the rotator pattern in use....