Security Lightbars

[RabbidFerret]

I work for a fairly squared away security patrol company in Alaska and I respond to quite a few emergency/motion alarm calls for example DV, Officer needs assist, Apartment Fire Alarm, Calls. I have spoken with my employer about putting some kind of lighting system in our vehicles to identify ourselves when dealing with these types of calls. I hate it when I drive onto one of our properties at all hours of the night and there is a blacked out occupied vehicle there and when I drive up to the vehicle the people inside have no clue who I am or what I want until they see me out of my patrol vehicle. I have seen two other security companies in town with amber light bars but they are not quite the companies we wish to be associated with. I have been looking all over for information about another color to work with to catch the eye and set ourselves apart from everyone else. I have seen some campus security with Amber/Blue and thought since we have a contract with the local college campus it would be nice to be on the same page however I do not want to be seen as the police or have people think that, that is what my company is going for. ANY information is greatly appreciated thanks.

[SgtScott31]

Green is used on the mall security vehicles in my area. They stay constantly on while driving through the parking lots for visibility reasons. As far as lights on your vehicle, stick with green or amber. I am not sure about Alaska, but in TN (and most of southeast US) blue/red is reserved strictly for LE.

[Blizzination]

Amber lights are what's primarily used here. Although I've seen green/amber lights in other places (NorCal)

[(S)Sgt Elmer]

All amber is generally sufficient for security needs, IMO. Check with your state's laws and see what is allowed.

I'm curious as to your percieved need - lighting on a security vehicle is for awareness or safety - say you're parked in the road or something. But going on a call - we don't use our lights for every call, so why have the lights going? Something to consider.

[Mabbottusmc]

Just remember, coming to a call with lights on lets people know your there. Some kinds of calls you don't want people to know your there until it's needed. I'm guessing Alaska is kind of different with a lot of wide open areas and lack of law enforcement officers. Just be careful what you use a light bar for if you decide to go with one. I don't want people to know I'm there on a DV. There have been cases where people wait for officers in the bushes and other areas to ambush them.

[RabbidFerret]

I am the only armed officer since i'm on patrol and yes it can be difficult covering long distances when you in a hurry up here while not looking like some jack-*** speeder (Ref. Mabbottusmc) Also when i'm called to a property for backup its usually because the on-site/unarmed officer could not deal with the situation. Most of our snow-plow trucks use strictly amber as well and they are usually out at night, another reason for going with a color besides amber. Green is on the far end of the color spectrum and might just work since it is incredibly bright, but i have seen some of our local fire chiefs use green. I'm trying my best to not step on toes while get something that is use full for our needs. I surely don't want to pull up to vehicles at night in back alleys and have them think they are being bothered by a snow plow driver when 80% of the time they are extremely intoxicated or doing drugs. thanks for the input and will appreciate any more opinions or information.

[PhilipCal]

In Alabama, private security is limited to either green or amber lights, or a combination of both. There is no requirement that other vehicles stop, or yield to any private security vehicle(s).A private security vehicle exceeding the posted limit, or violating any other traffic law, will subject the driver to the same citation(s) as other drivers under similar circumstances.

[ChopperCopper]

You're best bet is to have a phone to call the cops.