Michigan State Trooper Vehicles

[Mounty09]

Seems like most police departments these days are going with low profile LED lights on most of their vehicles. Does anyone know why Michigan State troopers still run the giant red light on the roof?

 

[yepthatsme]

Maybe they're over compensating for other short comings.

 

[VUPDblue]

It's a historic / nostalgia thing with them

 

[JMoses]

A lot of agencies will forego safety and comfort just to stick to tradition.

 

[ljk]

New Whelen, Federal Signal light bars/controlers can cost up to $6000, complete light package can easily run up to $10k.

 

[RustyHornet]

I enjoy seeing the cherry toppers when I drive up there.

 

[Bill B]

It's tradition, but don't be fooled they have a full compliment of lights, just not on the roof.

ETA: The official word is at MSP - MSP Goes LED: Traditional Patrol Light Receives Modern Upgrade

 

[RCL-Fishers]

I grew up there in the 70's and it's been the same since at least then!

 

[IndyDave1776]

This seems to invite a question regarding the theory behind a method of operation. Specifically, do they subscribe to the notion of maintaining general public safety by making themselves as conspicuous as possible as oppose to being as stealthy as possible either because it is the trendy thing at the moment, or alternately because it assists in collecting revenue.

Then again, it could simply be the banner accompanying the battle cry, "It's never been done any other way here before!"

 

[SMiller]

A lot of agencies will forego safety and comfort just to stick to tradition.

Guess you are right, they should get full LED light bars with crazy bright fast colored strobes so drunk drivers will rear end them on the side of the road...

 

[Bigtanker]

Since I work in Michigan, I see this quite often. The other lights they have, in the grill, in the windshield, in the back window etc, are more than enough to get your attention.

 

[Kutnupe14]

The Shriners said they'd pull their support, if they didnt keep the red caps.

 

[IndyDave1776]

The Shriners said they'd pull their support, if they didnt keep the red caps.

 

[JettaKnight]

There's a reason for a large, bright rotating beacon over omnidirectional strobes - they are easier to locate in the fog. With strobes, the fog just lights up, you can't locate the vehicle. With a rotating strobe, you can locate the source.

 

[IndyDave1776]

There's a reason for a large, bright rotating beacon over omnidirectional strobes - they are easier to locate in the fog. With strobes, the fog just lights up, you can't locate the vehicle. With a rotating strobe, you can locate the source.

 

[yepthatsme]

There's a reason for a large, bright rotating beacon over omnidirectional strobes - they are easier to locate in the fog. With strobes, the fog just lights up, you can't locate the vehicle. With a rotating strobe, you can locate the source.

Didn't think of that one.

 

[Hoosierkav]

I always wondered why they have "Stop" on a little hood sign.

Wikipedia to the rescue: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan_State_Police

 

[Cygnus]

The Side Stop? Who knew?
Thanks for the link.

 

[BGDave]

What would The Blues Brothers be without "Rollers!!!!!!".

 

[HoughMade]

It's a historic / nostalgia thing with them

Damn straight. They are, however, now LED.

Still have the little sign on the hood too. Why change?