NYSP switching to low profile lightbars?

[208]

It seems like it has been forever that the majority of NYSP cruisers have gone with the high profile rotator lightbars( yes ive seen the slick top and specialty cars). I just happened to be passing through New Lebanon NY (Troop K) and saw a regular crown vic with a low profile lightbar(looked like an LED bar with red lenses). Should be nice for traffic enforcement. Are these new bars going to be on all cars or is it a pilot program. Now all they have to do is to switch to all blue facing forward and leave the red to the nozzle heads.

[UPNYPO]

All blue is bad during the day. Red is better. Blue is definately superior at night though. I think the state finally had something when they allowed the blue light in the rear. At most a blue and red in front would be ok but all blue....I wouldn't like that.

[GrayState]

I've been seeing more cars with the all LEDs. All of the vehicles are getting them to replace the old ones, from what I've heard, but that's just what I've heard.

[UPNYPO]

We just got a liberty lightbar. That thing is BRIGHT!!!!! LED's are nice but the rotators are nice if you get the ultra bright ones

[ChrisF202]

I havent seen these yet ... all Troop L Brentwood Barracks vehicles still have the old lightbars.

Hell I bet Troop L is last on the list for replacement. Albany acts as if were a totally separate state.

[208]

All blue is bad during the day. Red is better. Blue is definately superior at night though. I think the state finally had something when they allowed the blue light in the rear. At most a blue and red in front would be ok but all blue....I wouldn't like that.

I guess you would have to get used to it. I'm so used to blue here in Mass. I like it. I suppose if we always had red I would be partial to that.

Its just easier to tell the difference here. Red(clear) forward for ALL fire/ambulance/ volunteer FF/EMT personal vehicles(some firetrucks and ambulances have one blue to the rear but not in Vol's POV). Blue(clear) forward for Police, many run a combo of blue red amber to the rear. There is no confusion as to who is who when you come down the road.

[SlowDownThere]

I believe that the DMV's regulations allowing blue lights to the rear only took effect in April, 2007. I think they are much better.

[mark7777]

I think a combo of red /blue works better than one color. I think ina few years nY will have blue to the front as well as the VTL has bills for more changes in conference.. for example green lights if passed will go away and there is a bill to require all vehicles to yield to blue lights which would have to pass before law enforcement went blue to the front as well.

[UPNYPO]

mark has a point. Here in NY you don't have to stop or yeild for blue lights. I have actually seen a vol. fireman sitting at a red light with the blue lights going. SO if police had blue lights in the front, that would be more confusing. Times are a changin though.

[OTVFD18]

As a volunteer FF and a future LEO I am kinda torn. Blue is good for the VF's because those of us that live more than a mile from the station actually do benefit a lot from blue lights. However, as a future LEO, I also know that blue is more visible and attracts less drunks.

[tmpd140]

Interesting topic given what happened to me the other night. I had someone stopped on a two lane road for speeding. No big thing. As I was waiting for the ticket to print out I looked in my mirror and saw a vehicle coming right toward me. I assumed the 'Oh no someones going to hit me position' and at the last second the guy veered off. I told my speeder to stay and I chased down the other guy.

After I stopped him something seemed amiss. I asked him why he drove right towards my police car and he tells me (exact words), 'I didn't know what to do. I saw those blue lights dancing all around. I've never seen that before.' So, sarcastically I ask him, 'So naturally you decide to drive towards the flashing lights, right?'

In the end, I find out that this guy has multiple sclorsis, which can cause visual problems and cognitive impairment.

And yes, my DMV request for review form has already been sent out.

[beachcop05]

This is why the California Highway Patrol has started to not even use any lights at all when they're on the side of the highway on a traffic stop. After the car stops, they turn off the lightbar and simply leave their running lights on...after too many drunks slamming into them attracted to the lightbar.
It's actually pretty neat, you don't even notice them t'ill you drive past, you just think it's a regular car on the side of the freeway.

[OTVFD18]

Interesting topic given what happened to me the other night. I had someone stopped on a two lane road for speeding. No big thing. As I was waiting for the ticket to print out I looked in my mirror and saw a vehicle coming right toward me. I assumed the 'Oh no someones going to hit me position' and at the last second the guy veered off. I told my speeder to stay and I chased down the other guy.

After I stopped him something seemed amiss. I asked him why he drove right towards my police car and he tells me (exact words), 'I didn't know what to do. I saw those blue lights dancing all around. I've never seen that before.' So, sarcastically I ask him, 'So naturally you decide to drive towards the flashing lights, right?'

In the end, I find out that this guy has multiple sclorsis, which can cause visual problems and cognitive impairment.



And yes, my DMV request for review form has already been sent out.


Wowww, that is interesting. I know he said he was attracted because he never saw blues before but would the color really make a difference? Would he be more attracted to LED? Strobe? Halogen?

[tmpd140]

This is why the California Highway Patrol has started to not even use any lights at all when they're on the side of the highway on a traffic stop. After the car stops, they turn off the lightbar and simply leave their running lights on...after too many drunks slamming into them attracted to the lightbar.
It's actually pretty neat, you don't even notice them t'ill you drive past, you just think it's a regular car on the side of the freeway.

I agree with that. In fact, before we got these new lightbars (FedSig Arjents) I would leave my rear red/amber flashers on. These new lightbars don't allow me to do that and my departments SOP's state we must leave the lights on.


Wowww, that is interesting. I know he said he was attracted because he never saw blues before but would the color really make a difference? Would he be more attracted to LED? Strobe? Halogen?

I think it was this guys medical condition to be honest that caused him to be 'confused'. Who knows. I don't think color, strobe, etc wouldv'e mattered.

[beachcop05]

[QUOTE=tmpd140;879699]I agree with that. In fact, before we got these new lightbars (FedSig Arjents) I would leave my rear red/amber flashers on. These new lightbars don't allow me to do that and my departments SOP's state we must leave the lights on.

QUOTE]

oh ok wow, so your dept makes you leave entire lightbar on during the stop?

geez that sucks, that's a safety issue, and that's taking away officer discretion to do what you want to do with your lights....

[tmpd140]

And it was never a problem till we got the new lightbars. As long as some lights were flashing (i.e. rear facing amber/red) that was ok. The new lightbars have a slow flash to the rear only and a fast flash both front and back. The short story is that we can turn off the forward facing flashing lights so we're not blinded while walking back to our patrol car while on a stop, but the rears have to stay on.

Although the LED lightbars are awesome, I wish we had more control over the amount of lighting that stays on.

[208]

Although the LED lightbars are awesome, I wish we had more control over the amount of lighting that stays on.

I agree with that

[mark7777]

This is why the California Highway Patrol has started to not even use any lights at all when they're on the side of the highway on a traffic stop. After the car stops, they turn off the lightbar and simply leave their running lights on...after too many drunks slamming into them attracted to the lightbar.
It's actually pretty neat, you don't even notice them t'ill you drive past, you just think it's a regular car on the side of the freeway.

That would not work well in NY plus if the state gets a move over law, I am almost positive it will say the emergency lights must be activated for the law to be enforced. I can not see a judge enforcing a ticket for a car with its parking lights on looking like every other disabled car on the side of the highway. PLus do you really want to be parked on the thruway with people going past at 80-85 and hope they do not hit you. lights or no lights you will always find a Idiot that will hit you because some folks just can not drive. A move over law is better than using the parking lights but thats just opinion.

[beachcop05]

Ya but if they're drunk a move over law isn't gonna matter, they're still going to be attracted to the bright flashing lights and slam into the back of the patrol car. A move over law only works for law abiding people, and it's usually not law abiding people who crash into backs of police cars.

And as far as a judge not issuing for the lights, when you first stop the car, you will legally stop them with your red lights on, then once they've been legally stopped and are on the side of the road, that's when you turn off your rear lights and just keep your tail lights on. There's no problem in court with any of that. This is what the CHP is doing and has greatly decreased the amount of drunk crashes.

And it's not just the NY thruway, cars go 80-85, 90-95, 100-105 on the many freeways in CA. too, imagine a 12 lane freeway with thousands of cars on it. The thruway averages four lanes in most areas.

[VZMan]

I was on interstate 81 just north of the Syracuse area tonight and saw a NYSP car with one of the new lightbars. They definitely are not as easy to pick out in a crowd as the old ones.

I am curious to see how they compare to the old ones when activated. Just hopefully not in my rearview mirror! :D

[GrayState]

Whatever you do, DON'T get pulled over while you are in the academy. That is, unless you enjoy carrying a medicine ball around for several weeks with your left arm (while you are attempting to carry around all of your books and water bottle.)

[VZMan]

Whatever you do, DON'T get pulled over while you are in the academy. That is, unless you enjoy carrying a medicine ball around for several weeks with your left arm (while you are attempting to carry around all of your books and water bottle.)


Hmm… so has your left arm fully healed yet? :eek:

Luckily (knocking on wood now) I have never had a ticket and would hate like he## to get one anytime soon. I have tried to be on my best behavior since taking the written in ’04 and with the prospect of getting into the spring ’08 academy, I don’t foresee myself doing anything to screw it up that’s within my control.

I did just give myself a little early x-mas present of a fully loaded new Tahoe that I will have to get used to, very smooth ride compared to my last truck, and ensure my right foot doesn’t get too heavy. :rolleyes:

[GrayState]

Haha, actually, I have yet to ever be even pulled over. A few people near me though had the unfortunate experience in the academy.
Don't flip your Tahoe either, those buggers will do that if you get 'em going too fast on a curve.

[NYSPGreg]

good bye the good ol all red light bars that symbolized Ny law enforcement... I honestly think blue is unnecessary. I mean besides trooper ambrose (may he RIP) that was rear ended by a DRUNK driver with a SUSPENDED license (so no matter what color lightbar trooper ambrose had we all agree it wouldn't have made a difference) which police officer in NY state can say they have been rear ended because of the all red ightbar???

I hate the switch to blue and I'm glad the NYPD still uses the good ol all red that represents NY

[GrayState]

I think all of the territorialism over the color blue is a bit silly and childish. From what I have read and my limited knowledge, studies and science have shown certain benefits from certain colors depending on conditions. If it might save somebody down the road, put aside the ego and let's figure out what is best for everybody. I'm not speaking to anyone directly here, just basing my thoughts on some of the various arguments that I have seen by the different sides.

I don't think any police officer could ever say that they were rear ended solely because of the color of their lights, first, because it is a combination of factors that cause a collision, and secondly, you can't get into the head of a drunk driver at the time of the crash and know what is going on in there.

[mark7777]

good bye the good ol all red light bars that symbolized Ny law enforcement... I honestly think blue is unnecessary. I mean besides trooper ambrose (may he RIP) that was rear ended by a DRUNK driver with a SUSPENDED license (so no matter what color lightbar trooper ambrose had we all agree it wouldn't have made a difference) which police officer in NY state can say they have been rear ended because of the all red ightbar???

I hate the switch to blue and I'm glad the NYPD still uses the good ol all red that represents NY

except NYPD will change there lightbars soon It was downstate depts and THE sp's that requested the law change. some dept's downs6tate made that change by themselves before the law was even changed.
There are even more changes infront of the legislature right now relating to emergency lights vol firefighters ect...One change that is being pondered right now is that all vehicles would have to yield the right of way to blue lights.

[NYSPGreg]

except NYPD will change there lightbars soon It was downstate depts and THE sp's that requested the law change. some dept's downs6tate made that change by themselves before the law was even changed.
There are even more changes infront of the legislature right now relating to emergency lights vol firefighters ect...One change that is being pondered right now is that all vehicles would have to yield the right of way to blue lights.

I could careless whether the push came from downstate or upstate. It was an unnecessary move.

The way some make it sounds is as if every day in NY cops were getting rear ended, and the blue lights are savior of it all.

[tmpd140]

good bye the good ol all red light bars that symbolized Ny law enforcement... I honestly think blue is unnecessary. I mean besides trooper ambrose (may he RIP) that was rear ended by a DRUNK driver with a SUSPENDED license (so no matter what color lightbar trooper ambrose had we all agree it wouldn't have made a difference) which police officer in NY state can say they have been rear ended because of the all red ightbar???

I hate the switch to blue and I'm glad the NYPD still uses the good ol all red that represents NY

This thread has taken a strange turn from the type of new lightbars SP is using to 'blue vs. red'. The change was made almost certainly based upon studies, like Florida's, that suggest blue is more visible. I for one could care less if they took away 'the good ol all red light bar that symbolizes NY law enforcement' from my vehicle. WHO CARES. As a police officer theres a million other things to be concerned about in law enforcement than the color of a lightbar. Take a look at odmp.org. Line of duty deaths are up 21% from this time last year.:( (There's a discussion all to itself.)

[VZMan]

To get back on the topic………..

I had the opportunity to see the new NYSP low pro’s today on my way home from work. My 2 cents would be that they are vastly superior to the old rotators. A Troop car did a u-turn ahead of me to set up a check point and I have to say the red in the front and the combination of red/blue in the rear, were extremely bright even with it being sunny outside. I can’t imagine how potent these new low pro’s are at night. Also, after completing the u-turn, I noticed the front portion of the lightbar was deactivated. Seems like a nice option considering the previous statements in this thread pertaining to having control of which portions of the lightbars are able to be turned on and off.

On a side note, BUNY is definitely in effect! On my 20 to 25 mile trip home from work, I observed two separate seatbelt check points set up and a third speed enforcement detail. All in all, I counted a combination of roughly 15 NYSP, Sheriff, and village cars out ensuring everyone was driving safely.

Hope everyone enjoys the holiday weekend and be safe.:D

[tmpd140]

Here is what the new lightbars look like....along with a new Charger!

http://www.emtbravophotos.com/SpyShots/NYSPCharger.html

[OTVFD18]

They just had a thing on the news here in the Syracuse area about the crackdown in speeding and BUNY and they were doing some ride-a-longs with a Trooper. He had a marked Crown Vic but no lightbar, all interior LED's, strobes in the headlights and flashers in the grill. Looks pretty slick and is just as bright in my opinion.

[SlowDownThere]

He had a marked Crown Vic but no lightbar, all interior LED's, strobes in the headlights and flashers in the grill. Looks pretty slick and is just as bright in my opinion.

Actually, that's just what we call them: slick roof's

[SlowDownThere]

I think all of the territorialism over the color blue is a bit silly and childish.

Wisdom beyond your years young man.

I sit on a couple of boards, and you wouldn't believe the territorialism.

[mark7777]

Here is what the new lightbars look like....along with a new Charger!

http://www.emtbravophotos.com/SpyShots/NYSPCharger.html

I wonder if they have 2 versions the ones near us are all clear when not activated.

[OTVFD18]

Most LED lightbars are clear lensed. It's very different to see an LED lightbar with colored lenses when it's not on.

[mark7777]

Most LED lightbars are clear lensed. It's very different to see an LED lightbar with colored lenses when it's not on.

this is thelightbar they have near us in wny.. probably the same bar just all clear lens

[NYSPGreg]

so what do troopers think about the push for blue on the lightbars?

[beachcop05]

so what do troopers think about the push for blue on the lightbars?

You're not even an officer.....what do you have against blue lights? have u ever made a traffic stop with red lights or blue lights?

[NYSPGreg]

You're not even an officer.....what do you have against blue lights? have u ever made a traffic stop with red lights or blue lights?

I have made MV stops on a military base with red and blue lights at Hill AFB because the state of Utah uses red and blue

as a civilian I've never made any because I've never been a civilian LEO.

you are not a NY LEO so my question isn't directed at you. I answered your question even if it was irrelevant. I am asking NY LEOs what they think of the switch from all red to red and blue in the back and eventually in the front once the NY V&TL title 3 article 9 section 375 (41) gets modified.

If you once were a NY leo please shed some light on what you think about the change otherwise refrain from asking irrelevant questions and let a NY LEO answer

thank you

[mark7777]

blue in the front is years away from now if ever albany works very very slow when it comes to these things. They do have some bills that they have been sitting on for over a year already about some changes that may never come to pass. Politicians are great at that.

[aikido kid]

my dept. has blue on our light bars. I got them the day after they passed that bill. Haha. I love um, they're bright. And they look better.

[SlowDownThere]

I think the blue lights are more eye-catching. I like them, and I think they are more visible than just red lights.

Should have done it years ago.

[Trooper4985]

good bye the good ol all red light bars that symbolized Ny law enforcement... I honestly think blue is unnecessary. I mean besides trooper ambrose (may he RIP) that was rear ended by a DRUNK driver with a SUSPENDED license (so no matter what color lightbar trooper ambrose had we all agree it wouldn't have made a difference) which police officer in NY state can say they have been rear ended because of the all red ightbar???

I hate the switch to blue and I'm glad the NYPD still uses the good ol all red that represents NY

Sorry to dig up an old thread but this is the most assinine comment I have ever heard... I hope you weren't an SP in your AF career. You have obviously never seen blue lights versus red lights or listened in school. Blue is much more obvious to the human eye than red. Would it have saved Bobby... we will never know. Many guys have lost their lives to being struck by crappy drivers... it's not just Bobby. Untill you have some experience with the real world... don't post silly crap like this. I'm sorry you apprently didn't make it into the hallowed ranks of being a NY State Trooper but get over it.