Can off duty cops, in their normal cars put dash lights in?

Question

like if there driving along and their off duty and hear a call on the radio can they go into their glove compartment and pull out a dashlight and turn it on and head to the call?

Answer 1

They can, anyone can.  Certain laws in different states will not allow other than offical vehicles to have blue lights.  If they do this they are just "whackers" or really new to the job.  In my years on the job I dont know anyone who wants to play cop after their shift ends, especially those with families.

Answer 2

Depends on state law and department policy. Here in Missouri, if it is approved by the Chief of Police, then yes you can can.

However, it is extremely rare and usually limited to very small rural departments that do not have 24 hour police coverage and the officers are "paged" at home. Even then, it is not too common.

If you want to go driving around jumping calls on your day off. You have issues that need to be worked out before you apply to police departments. Officers have a term for guys like you, "whacker"

Answer 3

This may vary with each state's laws. Here in NJ, any car I drive is a "police vehicle" under state law, whether the dept owns it, I own it, you own it, or its a rental.

About half the guys in my dept have radios and lights in their own cars. Yes, many guys will respond to calls when they are off, especially if it is something big like a robbery or an officer hurt.  

Answer 4

Use of flashing lights needs to be approved by the highest ranking member of the department. Not likely most off-duty officers are having scanners in their personal vehicles or wanting to go to crime scenes.

Answer 5

How about you check the answers to the exact same question you just asked <1hr ago-

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?...

- David