New CHP cruisers?

[SergioK]

Today I had the distinct pleasure of seeing a new CHP cruiser (Crown Vic) with the new LED light bar. He had pulled over another satisified customer on the 105 westbound. :D

Since it was the 1st Crown Vic I'd seen with these new disappearing light bars I'm wondering how many other people out there have seen these?

[The HACK]

Today I had the distinct pleasure of seeing a new CHP cruiser (Crown Vic) with the new LED light bar. He had pulled over another satisified customer on the 105 westbound. :D

Since it was the 1st Crown Vic I'd seen with these new disappearing light bars I'm wondering how many other people out there have seen these?

I've seen the white Camaro with light bars integrated to the rear decklid...Impossible to tell from the front that it's a CHP cruiser at night.

[TGray5]

uh oh, I'm in trouble if they're putting those Camaro light bars on the Crown Vics....yikes :cry:

[bmw325]

uh oh, I'm in trouble if they're putting those Camaro light bars on the Crown Vics....yikes :cry:

Really? Seeing the front-end of any Crown Vic in my rear-view gives me an immediate, visceral jolt--light bar or not. Nonetheless, I'm glad these LED light bars haven't made it to NY yet (atleast that i've seen).

[doeboy]

They're getting tricky to spot nowadays... a huge majority of the cruisers now are "slick-tops" with no chase lights on the roof... they're all inside on the rear deck.

Also, these "disappearing" chase lights... what do you mean? Do they actually retract into the car or something? :confused: Scary if they really do that. :eek:

I'm guessing you mean the new chase lights that are clear and only show color when illuminated? The camaro that was behind the Bimmerfest car rally had clear chase lights... really thin bar on top and no color.... :eeps:

[doeboy]

They look like either of these? :dunno:

[TGray5]

Really? Seeing the front-end of any Crown Vic in my rear-view gives me an immediate, visceral jolt--light bar or not. Nonetheless, I'm glad these LED light bars haven't made it to NY yet (atleast that i've seen).

The light bar makes the cruiser more visible when other vehicles are between us and also identifies the car for me when its too far away to id it as a Crown Vic. The CHP was nice enough to make the roof white (small white band visible from the front) and lower body black on the cruisers that have no light bar, so that is a giveaway...but still hard to notice at a great distance and harder to see when traffic is in the way.

[Raffi]

uh oh, I'm in trouble if they're putting those Camaro light bars on the Crown Vics....yikes :cry:


:mad: :mad: Time to get the CHP 11-99 Foundation donation when I get a job.... :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[Kaz]

Sergio and I were talking about this the other day. I was looking in a police equipment catalog a while ago and those new LED bars are infact clear when off, and are really small (down to ~1" dia or so) and would probably be nearly invisible until it's too late.

[Raffi]

Sergio and I were talking about this the other day. I was looking in a police equipment catalog a while ago and those new LED bars are infact clear when off, and are really small (down to ~1" dia or so) and would probably be nearly invisible until it's too late.

Yup, which is why you need to look out for every Camaro and Crown Vic out there... :thumbdwn: :thumbdwn:

[doeboy]

Yup, which is why you need to look out for every Camaro and Crown Vic out there... :thumbdwn: :thumbdwn:

Don't forget the Beemers... :eeps:

[SergioK]

They look like either of these? :dunno:

It had the 3rd one. I was surprised cause I'd never seen a crown vic with that light bar on it.

All the new Seal Beach Police cruisers (even their Expedition) have these clear low profile LEDs on them.

Time to get get my eyes checked... I may need a better prescription so I can see spot these guys from a mile away. :D

[SergioK]

Sergio and I were talking about this the other day. I was looking in a police equipment catalog a while ago and those new LED bars are infact clear when off, and are really small (down to ~1" dia or so) and would probably be nearly invisible until it's too late.

They are suppose to 'disappear' at a distance of only 375 feet! ugh :thumbdwn:

[Raffi]

Time to get get my eyes checked... I may need a better prescription so I can see spot these guys from a mile away. :D

You'd actually have to WEAR your glasses dude... :angel: ;) :p

[joea9146]

Here in Connecticut they use the Standard Crown Victoria.
I have also seen unmarked Impalas and this past Sunday a Chrylser Concord Unmarked but with strobe lights all over the place no Roof bar at all, the Impalas are set up the same way..... they also have camaros and mustangs. :eek:

[ChrisTO]

here in Toronto the cruisers are very stealthy. they are painted dark blue and the only markings are reflective tape on the side indicating metro police. the reflective tape only shows up at certain angles of viewing. for the most part is it is invisible. :eeps:

as for those light bars, our local police force has been using them for awhile now. stealthy stuff considering that these cruisers are typically found on a stretch of highway with a speed limit of 90km/h and most other highways in the Toronto area are 100km/h. :(

[glaws]

Like most I slow down for any kind of Crown Vic. I had the unhappy experience of following one for many miles a while back. State "exempt" plates, aerials on top of the car and trunk and etc. When he finally turned off the car said "State Agricultural Agent" on the side. Arghhhhhhh :mad:

[The HACK]

Don't forget the Beemers... :eeps:

CHP Beemers aren't hard to spot. They're distinct enough with tell tale body work that distinguishes them from other beemers.

[ff]

Really? Seeing the front-end of any Crown Vic in my rear-view gives me an immediate, visceral jolt--light bar or not.


No doubt, same here. Especially when it's just some ordinary Joe who was a moron and bought the police package for his own use :tsk:

I see that spotlight thingy attached above the side view mirror, and usually crap my pants. Then I see the top of Elmer's head barely protruding above the steering wheel, and realize it's not a cop.

[doeboy]

One of these?
The California Highway Patrol is using a fleet of souped-up Camaros for law enforcement. The cars can reach a top speed of 160 mph.

I meant don't forget the BMW Motorcycles they use too...

but yeah... that pic of the camaro is a perfect illustration of what the new light bars look like. Sneaky guys... :mad:

[blkonblk330i]

One of these?
The California Highway Patrol is using a fleet of souped-up Camaros for law enforcement. The cars can reach a top speed of 160 mph.
I saw one of them last July 4th wkend pull up in a restaurant off of I-80 in Vacaville. One of my friends asked the CHiP how fast it goes and he replied "How fast do you want it to go?"

[doeboy]

One of my friends asked the CHiP how fast it goes and he replied "How fast do you want it to go?"

Uhoh... our resident sideways driving "Butt-Head" better keep an eye out... :eeps:

Do they go sideways too? :angel:

[in_d_haus]

Our local police dept has had them for quite awhile

[scottn2retro]

Should definitely help the V-1 sales :D

btw, I've yet to get a ticket in the minivan :)

[Stuka]

One of these?
The California Highway Patrol is using a fleet of souped-up Camaros for law enforcement. The cars can reach a top speed of 160 mph.

See, this is why the stock M3 limiter of 167 is too slow. :bigpimp:

Cas in point, in the E36 M3, at your BMWNA spec top speed of 137mph, A Caprice Jurassic won't catch up to you, but eventually will keep you in his line of sight, especially on places with good visibility. :eeps:

With the 175 plus top speed of the delimited M3, it'll guarantee no line of sight, ergo, no good enforcement stop. :thumbup: :bigpimp:

Of course, this is all hypothetical and imaginary. I drive the speed limit. :angel:

BTW, I saw some LAPD cruiser with dash mounted laser the other day. Woner how much that baby cost. :yikes:

Andy
02 M3 CB/Cloth SMG

[Stuka]

I meant don't forget the BMW Motorcycles they use too...

but yeah... that pic of the camaro is a perfect illustration of what the new light bars look like. Sneaky guys... :mad:

No biggie, at night, keep an eye out for the following four headlight configuration:

1. Crown Vic
2. Caprice Jurassic
3. Camaro (EASIEST to spot with the illuminated side marker)
4. BMW Motorcycle

It'll be OK. :drive:

Andy
02 M3 CB/Cloth SMG

[doeboy]

No biggie, at night, keep an eye out for the following four headlight configuration:

1. Crown Vic
2. Caprice Jurassic
3. Camaro (EASIEST to spot with the illuminated side marker)
4. BMW Motorcycle

It'll be OK. :drive:


and take advantage of your "tactical information systems" if you got'em... ;) :D

The Camaros are what makes me nervous... the Beemers I still need some practice spotting those, but whenever I've seen them recently in my mirror, I get this feeling like "hmm... that light looks suspicious..." so I wait for them to pass, and sure enough... guess who...

[SergioK]

BTW, I saw some LAPD cruiser with dash mounted laser the other day. Woner how much that baby cost. :yikes:


I was under the impression that laser couldn't be 'shot' through glass since it would distort the signal. Seal Beach PD uses laser but they always park the cruiser sideways so they stick the laser gun out the window. I already know all their hiding places so it's amusing to me to hear my V1 go off. I have yet to 'high beam' them when they light me up... but one of these days when I'm feeling a bit ballsy I'll do it... if I never post on the board again, it's cause my ass is in jail. :p

[Raffi]

I have yet to 'high beam' them when they light me up... but one of these days when I'm feeling a bit ballsy I'll do it... if I never post on the board again, it's cause my ass is in jail. :p

:bustingup :bustingup

[SergioK]

:bustingup :bustingup

Don't laugh... you're the one that'll be getting the call! :D

[The HACK]

BTW, I saw some LAPD cruiser with dash mounted laser the other day. Woner how much that baby cost. :yikes:


Doesn't matter. Laser speed readings won't work unless their car's stationary. The only way they can tag someone with the dash mounted laser is if they park somewhere where the view is obscured, and they can catch you going AWAY by pointing their car toward the direction of the road.

By the time they get the cruiser rolling, Butthead would have been at least 3-4 miles away if he's able to pull 180mph (the theoretical, power/aerodynamically limited speed of his M3). The cruiser will never catch up.

They'll only be able to catch someone like, oh, The HACK who drives just barely fast enough to get in trouble, but doesn't pay enough attention to the side of the road for Chippies. :mad:

[GimpyMcFarlan]

The local suburb police force (Gahanna) has had them on their cars for over year. The larger city police force (Columbus) does not have them yet.

[TGray5]

Wait...what's the scoop on CHP Beemers? I know they tested them awhile ago...are they really buying them? What do they look like? e39? colors? light bar?

I saw a CHP Volvo once in N. San Diego County on Hwy 76.

[SergioK]

Wait...what's the scoop on CHP Beemers? I know they tested them awhile ago...are they really buying them? What do they look like? e39? colors? light bar?

I saw a CHP Volvo once in N. San Diego County on Hwy 76.

The CHP Beemers are the K1100 motorcycles (I think that's the model).

[doeboy]

The CHP Beemers are the K1100 motorcycles (I think that's the model).

That sounds right.... I think by now they're probably replace the whole fleet of motorcycles with those. Lots of other local law enforcement has done the same.

[SergioK]

That sounds right.... I think by now they're probably replace the whole fleet of motorcycles with those. Lots of other local law enforcement has done the same.

When I bought my motorcycle a year ago I had to take it to a local CHP office to have them verify all the VIN #s. Since the officer that was doing this was also a motorcycle officer I asked him some questions regarding the new BMWs that the CHP has.

CHP drew up a list of requirements for their new motorcycle fleet and the BMWs were the only ones that met those requirements (he didn't go into specifics). This is the reason that they aren't using (shriek!) Harleys or other motorcycles.

[Chipster]

And you should see their new motorcycles for mountain roads :rofl: :
http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/31426/452623-img_9541a.jpg

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/31426/452470-mvc-404s.jpg

This is one guy I wouldn't mind being pulled over by!

[TGray5]

The CHP Beemers are the K1100 motorcycles (I think that's the model).

Ah, bikes, yes I know of them..very cool machines. Electric windscreen, ABS, etc.

[Raffi]

Don't laugh... you're the one that'll be getting the call! :D

That's why I'm laughing! You think I'd pick up the call, and if I mistakenly did, that I'd be able to get your @ss out of jail! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

:angel: ;) :p

[Raffi]

They'll only be able to catch someone like, oh, The HACK who drives just barely fast enough to get in trouble, but doesn't pay enough attention to the side of the road for Chippies. :mad:

At least you know where your fault lies and you should be able to fix it. I'm sure Stu... I mean Butthead would give you some pointers. :D

[SergioK]

That's why I'm laughing! You think I'd pick up the call, and if I mistakenly did, that I'd be able to get your @ss out of jail! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

:angel: ;) :p


Now's a good time to start a Lawyer Joke thread! :flipoff: :D

[Raffi]

Now's a good time to start a Lawyer Joke thread! :flipoff: :D

I've heard them all, so go ahead if you've got nothing better to do... Oh wait, I forgot you're a bum.... :D :angel: :p ;)

[chippy]

Yeah we like the new light bars, the old ones are just ugly, but they had some kewl features like movable spot lights and stuff like that. Some test vehicls to keep an eye out for in the future, are the BMW 540, Chevy GTO(Holden GTO), and the Dodge Magnum (Stationwagon? UGHhh) Might have to move to Texas to avoid that one. Happy Motoring, and please be carefull out there.
p.s. A ticket is easier to wright than an accident report.

[CaliJeff]

Should definitely help the V-1 sales :D

btw, I've yet to get a ticket in the minivan :)


That's because they look over at you and think "That poor miserable bastard has enough problems, his wife won't even let him drive a real car." :D

[TeamM3]

no wonder people seem to magically pull over from the left lane as I come up on them :eeps: :thumbup:


http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=31723&stc=1

[bmw325]

no wonder people seem to magically pull over from the left lane as I come up on them :eeps: :thumbup:



Must be quite a power trip to drive a crown vic...

[bmw325]

Yeah we like the new light bars, the old ones are just ugly, but they had some kewl features like movable spot lights and stuff like that. Some test vehicls to keep an eye out for in the future, are the BMW 540, Chevy GTO(Holden GTO), and the Dodge Magnum (Stationwagon? UGHhh) Might have to move to Texas to avoid that one. Happy Motoring, and please be carefull out there.
p.s. A ticket is easier to wright than an accident report.


e60 545? That won't be very stealthy-- you can spot something that ugly from miles away! :D

[blueguydotcom]

Really? Seeing the front-end of any Crown Vic in my rear-view gives me an immediate, visceral jolt--light bar or not. Nonetheless, I'm glad these LED light bars haven't made it to NY yet (atleast that i've seen).

Yeah, the standard headlight config of a crown vic makes me pause. But we have many cruisers around here with hidden lights so I don't take chances.

[blueguydotcom]

no wonder people seem to magically pull over from the left lane as I come up on them :eeps: :thumbup:


http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=31723&stc=1

My dad has a white grand marquis and he loves toying with people. You can see people tap their brakes when he hits the freeway.

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

no wonder people seem to magically pull over from the left lane as I come up on them :eeps: :thumbup:


http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=31723&stc=1
Did you get rid of the Impala tow vehicle? :dunno:

[LeucX3]

All this government expense is making me want to puke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Speeding tickets = revenue generation.

You know, as a woman, I'm actually "scared" that these CHP and police cars are looking more like civilian cars. I've heard of stories where women get pulled over at night by supposed-officers, because the cars were outfitted with similar lights and they could get assaulted or worse killed.... As a citizen, I would want my officers to drive the same kind of car that denotes the fact that they're legitimate officers.
But can't you just start crying and show your boobs to get out of a ticket? :dunno:

:D :p :rofl:

[blueguydotcom]

All this government expense is making me want to puke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Speeding tickets = revenue generation.

You know, as a woman, I'm actually "scared" that these CHP and police cars are looking more like civilian cars. I've heard of stories where women get pulled over at night by supposed-officers, because the cars were outfitted with similar lights and they could get assaulted or worse killed.... As a citizen, I would want my officers to drive the same kind of car that denotes the fact that they're legitimate officers.

There've been a few killers who did that very thing in California.

[blueguydotcom]

That's why I've decided that if I get pulled over by a car that doesn't look 100% legit, I'm going to keep on driving until I can get to a well-populated public area before I pull over. I'll also call up 911 and get them on the phone before I open my window to just anyone....especially at night. This world is too scary anymore. :thumbdwn:

I just open fire :violent: :bang: and make a run for it... :sabrina:

[TeamM3]

Did you get rid of the Impala tow vehicle? :dunno:


replaced it, 4.6L V8 in the Vic as opposed to a 3.8L V6 in the Impala :thumbup:

no power trip in the Vic, but for the price paid it is a h3ll of a deal

[Zaphod]

New York at one point was getting very sneaky. I saw a State Trooper ticketing somebody from his crown vic that was painted to look just like a taxi. :eek:

That was sometime last year, haven't seen one since.

[teh_jev]

New York at one point was getting very sneaky. I saw a State Trooper ticketing somebody from his crown vic that was painted to look just like a taxi. :eek:

That was sometime last year, haven't seen one since.I've seen them around here sitting in an old beat up van w/ hazards on sitting on the side of the highway running lazer out of them and then pulling you over a mile or two down the highway.

[·clyde·]

no wonder people seem to magically pull over from the left lane as I come up on them :eeps: :thumbup:

As the driver of a 5.0 Mustang in CA ~1990, I found that it works another way too...sometimes they just slow down and won't move over. :thumbdwn:

[FenPhen]

That's why I've decided that if I get pulled over by a car that doesn't look 100% legit, I'm going to keep on driving until I can get to a well-populated public area before I pull over. I'll also call up 911 and get them on the phone before I open my window to just anyone....especially at night. This world is too scary anymore. :thumbdwn:
From the Ticket Assassin Guide to Traffic Stops (http://www.ticketassassin.com/visorguide.html):

1. PULL OVER TO RIGHT WHEN SAFE
(if you intend to continue driving to a well-lit area where you would feel safer, signal your intention to do so in any way possible--turn signal, hazard lights, slowing down, etc. Be aware that some officers may construe this as "flight", so don't push your luck by driving too far. Also, follow all subsequent safety instructions to the letter to relieve any suspicion the officer may have. If the officer is unreasonably belligerent about your failure to stop immediately, mention your fear for your personal safety and the name "Craig Peyer". This tends to take the steam out of them. Be aware that failure to stop immediately will probably increase your odds of getting a citation; this is a small price to pay for safety.

[andy_thomas]

CHP? Is that some kind of special US options package which requires its own manual? :rofl:

[doeboy]

CHP? Is that some kind of special US options package which requires its own manual? :rofl:

:doh: :ouch:

California Highway Patrol

[andy_thomas]

:doh: :ouch:

California Highway Patrol

Yeah I know, I used to love CHiPs as a kid.

The Metropolitan Police in London employ base-model, cloth-trimmed 530ds exclusively for their area cars. The Parks Police (which patrols Hyde, St James', Green and Regent's Parks) uses Imola Red 530ds. Not Japan Red, Imola Red. Interesting that the police force can special order an M colour on a non-M car...

[doeboy]

Yeah I know, I used to love CHiPs as a kid.

The Metropolitan Police in London employ base-model, cloth-trimmed 530ds exclusively for their area cars. The Parks Police (which patrols Hyde, St James', Green and Regent's Parks) uses Imola Red 530ds. Not Japan Red, Imola Red. Interesting that the police force can special order an M colour on a non-M car...

:rofl: I loved that show too. Sometimes I'll run across it on TV here and watch a bit. It's kind of funny to watch now how corny some of the plots were but still interesting to watch as before. :)

[ObD]

Here in MA the staties now have these. A black Crown Vic with tinted windows was behind me and the only thing that gave "the man" away was the push bumper. Greater than a few hundred feet it looked like a Marauder. The tint was dark enough to just barely make out the spotlight in the windshield sitting at a stoplight. :eek: