Pittsburg PD liberties

[EMS10EMT]

So, being bored I started clicking through Policecarwebsite.net. I was looking at the P-burg PD cars and it looks like the front of the bar has clear lenses and they have colored lens in the rear. Anyone know the though process behind this?

 

[rwo978]

This was just discussed in another thread, but I can't find it.

 

[dustymedic]

I thought I was crazy, I remember that too..

 

[03crownvic]

Maybe the front is clear so the vehicle can operate in a stealthy manner and not be detected by oncoming traffic when on radar patrol. The colored lenses to the rear are probably colored for higher visibility so the vehicle can be seen easier by traffic approaching it from the rear, even if the bar is not on, so it will have less chance of being hit.

 

[rwo978]

Maybe the front is clear so the vehicle can't be detected by oncoming traffic when on radar patrol. The colored lenses to the rear are probably colored for higher visibility so the vehicle can be seen easier by traffic, even if the bar is not on, and have less chance of being hit.

That's what was alluded to in the other thread.

 

[HFD eng1ine]

As stated in catalogs, the colored lenses on liberty and freedom lightbars are in place to add to the community awareness. It is much easier to spot a police care with colored lenses even if the light is not on, than it is to spot a lghtbar with clear lenses. As some may think of this as a down side, i support the idea. Just showing a highly visible presense can usually be enough to ward off crime. Many think of it as giving away your hiding spot when looking for speeders but i dont see that as a huge deal. You will see them on radar far before they take the time to see the colored 2 inch tall bar on the top of a car in the distance. Plus, even if they see you before you see them, just your presense on that road will make the speeder think twice next time.


KP

 

[nerdly_dood]

As stated in catalogs, the colored lenses on liberty and freedom lightbars are in place to add to the community awareness. It is much easier to spot a police care with colored lenses even if the light is not on, than it is to spot a lghtbar with clear lenses. As some may think of this as a down side, i support the idea. Just showing a highly visible presense can usually be enough to ward off crime. Many think of it as giving away your hiding spot when looking for speeders but i dont see that as a huge deal. You will see them on radar far before they take the time to see the colored 2 inch tall bar on the top of a car in the distance. Plus, even if they see you before you see them, just your presense on that road will make the speeder think twice next time.

KP

+1 If you've got the word "POLICE" printed on the side of the vehicle in big bold letters, colored lenses just make it look better.

 

[fp13-2]

Maybe the front is clear so the vehicle can operate in a stealthy manner and not be detected by oncoming traffic when on radar patrol. The colored lenses to the rear are probably colored for higher visibility so the vehicle can be seen easier by traffic approaching it from the rear, even if the bar is not on, so it will have less chance of being hit.

They can't use radar in PA...only State Police are allowed to...

 

[JJ7850]

The above post is correct, a friend of mine is a Pittsburgh Police officer and he tells me that the back of the bar has colored lenses for easier identification from the back and the clear lenses upfront to be more stealthier. In his opinion fully colored lenses wouldnt be a big deal because theres no hiding that theyre police cars with that sort of graphic job. And yes only the State Police are allowed to use radar in PA but alot of local police departments are using land based laser units to catch speeders and in my area they make a killing in speeding tickets with them.

 

[03crownvic]

.....a lot of local police departments are using land based laser units to catch speeders.......

So, they have to stand outside the vehicle and shoot vehicles to be legal in your state?


The laser units used around here are usually operated by an officer on foot in a stealthy manner, either standing near his hidden unit, or under a freeway overpass behind a pillar with a chase car standing by on a ramp. I'm not sure if this is by officer or department choice or legal requirement though.


BTW, thanks for the confirmation on my assumption of the reason for using the clear vs. colored lens setup.

 

[stp354]

So, they have to stand outside the vehicle and shoot vehicles to be legal in your state?
The laser units used around here are usually operated by an officer on foot in a stealthy manner, either standing near his hidden unit, or under a freeway overpass behind a pillar with a chase car standing by on a ramp. I'm not sure if this is by officer or department choice or legal requirement though.

Here in Pa we can only use an Accutrak (Stopwatch), Vascar or the "laser" called ENRAD. The readout is inside the car but we can be up to 1/4 mile away and get the readings. Im not really a fan of it.

 

[Phillyrube]

Maybe the front is clear so the vehicle can operate in a stealthy manner and not be detected by oncoming traffic when on radar patrol. The colored lenses to the rear are probably colored for higher visibility so the vehicle can be seen easier by traffic approaching it from the rear, even if the bar is not on, so it will have less chance of being hit.

They can't run radar in PA....