Cruise lights are new feature on Penn College Police patrol vehicles

A new initiative to increase visibility has been implemented by Penn College Police: the use of “cruise lights” on top of patrol vehicles.

Cruise lights are dimmer than emergency lights and do not flash. Only the blue and red lights on the ends of the vehicle’s rooftop light bar are on.

“The cruise lights will be used when driving normally or when parked on campus and in surrounding neighborhoods between dusk and dawn,” explained David C. Pletz, Penn College’s chief of police and director of campus safety. “With increased use in other areas of the country, studies have shown that their use has helped deter crime. Other departments electing to use cruise lights have reported that they are a way for people to easily locate an officer when they need assistance and an additional way for residents to know the police are on patrol in the area.”

Cruise lights also help to identify patrol vehicles in situations where officers may be outside of the vehicle conducting investigations, without causing too much attention with flashing lights. The lights can be switched off when an officer is conducting surveillance or enforcing traffic laws. While used mostly between dusk and dawn, some officers are also using the lights during the day. 

Chief Pletz notes that cruise lights are being deployed by agencies nationwide.

Penn College Police can be reached at 570-321-5555 and by email. For emergency situations, call 911.