Why do police always park with their parking lights on?

Question

It seems whenever I see a parked police car, other than at the station, they almost always have their parking lights on at night. It doesn't seem to matter if they're on break in a restaurant eating dinner or sitting in the car doing paper work or sittin' lookin' for speeders. Why is this? Is it just to look cool? So they stand out to someone looking for help? WHY?

Also, I'm not asking because I have a problem with it or the police. In fact, I respect them and feel most are good people and are deserving of everyone's respect. Of course, like everything, there are some knuckleheads that try too hard and (I think) tarnish the badge. But, mostly I'm just curious as to why they do it. Thanks in advance everyone.

Answer 1

You've essentially answered your own question. It's called "visibility."

When the police are stopped watching traffic, doing reports, or attempting to conserve fuel...they will park and leave the lights on so that people can see them.

The results can be a deterence to crime, speeding, or just being visible should someone need to pull up and ask directions.

Also consider your observation "at night." It's also a safety issue!

Best wishes.

Answer 2

Part of waiting for speeders and using a radar gun is that the vehicle has to be somewhat visible to the traffic that he is policing. He cannot be completely hidden, so the lights draw enough attention to comply with that rule.

As for at a restaurant, the entire vehicle is usually left on and most newer cars these days have daytime running lights. The vehicle is left on because many patrol cars have radios in them that can act as a repeater or signal booster for the officers portable radio he carries on his belt. This is to just make sure he doesn't miss a call. Cops are never on break or take lunch. If there is call he has to get back to eating later.

Answer 3

sure we do. once you notice a police motor vehicle parked illegally, its via fact we are probably responding to a 911 call. you recognize, 911, emergency. once you notice a motor vehicle parked illegally at Starbucks / 7-11 / eating place, its via undeniable fact that cop would desire to get an emergency call on an identical time as he's on a harm and would desire to respond very without delay. Its a actuality of existence and it won't be able to be argued. If we don't park close, human beings would desire to be heavily injured or die. Its the comparable reason wepersistent 75MPH with pink and blue lights flashing. So for everybody complaining approximately us parking in pink zones and on sidewalks.... in basic terms supply up and think of for a 2d.

Answer 4

Very often police like to have their presence noticed. They want people to know that the police are around and on the job. It may serve as a deterrent to crime and a deterrent to traffic violations. It is also good for public relations so that people think that the police are around.

Answer 5

I think you are seeing things. If a police car was parked at night, without lights on, you would be less likely to notice it.

Answer 6

In some states it's the law. Besides, even if their doing paperwork, making the neighborhood aware of their presence is a deterrent for crime.

Answer 7

To show their presence and thus if ppl wants to commit a crime they have to think twice. Police is near by...

Answer 8

because we rarely turn out cars off.....the most wear on a car is when you turn it on and off...why do you think when they sell those retired police cars the have like 215,000 miles on them and they still sell them for like 7 grand....i think it is a safety thing too....i do it because i don't want someone to rear end me

Answer 9

In most cases it is for their protection, so that somone doesn't go driving into them.