D.C. Police Chief's New Plan: Police Flash Lights Constantly

NBC5.com ^ | January 26, 2003

[Sweet_Sunflower29]

Every police car in Washington, D.C., was flashing its lights Friday morning, but not because a sudden rash of crime had swept the nation's capital.

It's D.C. Police Chief Charles Ramsey's unique plan to enhance police presence. He said he's gotten complaints from the public and members of the City Council that his police officers are not visible enough. He hopes the constant flash of lights will change that perception. Ramsey came up with the idea while on a recent business trip.

"I saw that over in Israel when I was there and it's for the same reason: people were very afraid because of the bombings and things of that nature," Ramsey said. "They started doing that to show people that they were out there and it seemed to work, so we'll try to bring that here."

Ramsey said the practice has never been tried in the United States before. It took effect Thursday night.

D.C. Councilman Jim Graham continues to call for more officers on the street, but welcomed the department's latest move.

"Anything that contributes to a sense of security, to a sense of police presence really matters," Graham said. "They are not only driving around with the lights on, but they are also parked with them on and I really appreciate it."

The lights should shine day and night. Ramsey hopes the public will know the difference between the routine flashing lights and emergency lights.

"People should be aware it's not the same as the emergency lights," Ramsey said. "If you see all of the lights on top of the officer's car lit up, then that means pull over to the side because the officer is trying to get through. But just simply having the flashing lights is what we are doing to try to enhance our visibility."

[coloradan]

Great! That way they can legally be exempt from all the traffic laws, all the time (not that this changes anything).

[TightSqueeze]

"Anything that contributes to a sense of security, to a sense of police presence really matters," Graham said.

This ain't your forefathers America.

[Procyon]

I was going to suggest they keep their sirens on all the time, too. To reassure the blind and people who keep their curtains drawn.

It is really distracting trying to drive in S.C. now with all the flashing lights.

I was going to suggest policepersons of foot blow their whistles, but I haven't seen such a creature around here in years.

[GaltMeister]

"Anything that contributes to a sense of security, to a sense of police presence really matters,"

Translated, that means "We aren't going to do our job any better, we just hope it *looks* like we are". Smoke and mirrors. It's like a rotting, dead horse laying in the road. Everyone that goes by notices it, but they still hold their noses.

[twntaipan]

They do this in Taiwan. The local populace just assumes the cops are wanting to cut through the traffic jams on their way to dinner. It will only desensitize the public to the police--not add to the sense of security.

[Ganymede]

I was wondering what was going on yesterday while driving on 14th Street . . . three police cars w/flashing lights, but no sirens. Very weird.

[Larry Lucido]

Why stop with the cars? Let's make the uniforms a little more "visible" too.

[Lee Enfield]

So, you're saying that the D.C. police are all flashers?

[Unknown Freeper]

[jmax]

Wow......imagine what it will look like around the local donut shops !!??!!??

[river rat]

Perhaps we should issue black berets to all police, also..
That might make them more efficient and fearsom! The Sec. of the Army thinks that way..

Will the D.C. police turn their lights off when parked at the Donut shops.?

Washington D.C. is a failed city..
It would colapse without Federal (taxpayer) charity..

Can you believe that the D.C. clowns think they deserve to be named a State!

Screw em
Semper Fi

[Steve Eisenberg]

"I saw that over in Israel when I was there and it's for the same reason: people were very afraid because of the bombings and things of that nature," Ramsey said.

Ramsey's message is thus that crime in DC is out of control, with citizens in a constant state of insecurity unless they see law enforcement. Sad for Israel, repugnant for America.

[Bullish]

Pandering to liberals' emotions.

Guess I'll look into investing in bulbs.

[Endeavor]

Ramsey is an idiot. After his bungling of the Chandra Levy investigation, I'm surpised he hasn't won the Barney Fife award.

[csvset]

The security guards at the local mall do this. I contend it was to warn any crooks lurking nearby to beat it and wait until the guards pass before they break into your car.

[Timesink]

Can you believe that the D.C. clowns think they deserve to be named a State!

They don't think they deserve it. They KNOW they don't deserve it. They're just all RATS that want two more RATS in the Senate permanently.

[river rat]

"I'm surpised he hasn't won the Barney Fife award."

He was in fact, nominated...

Alas, he was too stupid, corrupt or incompetent to win...
Perhaps all three..
Semper Fi

[Let's Roll]

"It will only desensitize the public to the police--not add to the sense of security."

Something about crying wolf ...

[weikel]

Great scare the crap out of everyone constantly.