Published on Tuesday, July 10, 2007
in the First Coast News

Spotting An Unmarked Police Car And Staying Safe

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- You're driving down the highway and in your rear view mirror, you see flashing lights.

But it doesn't look like a typical police car.

There are no lights on top of the car, no sirens and no police markings.

More and more of these unmarked police cars are patrolling our streets and highways.

Lt. Bill Leeper with the Florida Highway Patrol says the unmarked cars help officers crack down on aggressive drivers.

There are about a dozen unmarked Crown Victoria FHP cars on the road in Jacksonville on a daily basis.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office also uses unmarked cars.

Fuad Hanania was pulled over by an unmarked car for not wearing a seatbelt and driving with a suspended license.

He told First Coast News that he didn't realize it was an officer until "I got right beside it and I saw his badge on his shoulder."

Lt. Leeper says the officers always wear uniforms when they drive unmarked cars. But some people are still hesitant to pull over.

Leeper says the car should always have multiple sources of lighting.

But if you're still unsure, follow these tips:

Call 911 and ask the operator whether or not an unmarked vehicle is on patrol in your area.

Turn on your hazard lights to let the officer know you recognize him and are not trying to speed away.

Drive to a well-lit and crowded area.

Keep your doors locked and only roll down your window enough to talk.

Ask for a photo identification card and badge.