Spotting That Cop Just Became Harder, Thanks (?) to Ford

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

One of the late Ford Crown Victoria’s best attributes was its unique turn signal/parking lamps, which, when viewed in a rear-view mirror, alerted savvy drivers to the possibility that there could be a police officer on their tail. Or a retiree. Either way, best to slow down, pardner.

Today, drivers don’t have that luxury of instant nighttime recognition, and police forces and suppliers are increasingly making it harder to distinguish a lurking cop car during the day. Well, Ford has now brought the stealthiness to another level.

After introducing a front visor light bar to its Police Interceptor Utility models earlier this year, Ford went to work on a similar “no profile” setup for the vehicle’s rear. Now we see the results: a “no profile” cruiser with its front lights tucked into the top of the windshield, and its rear-facing lights mounted in the rear spoiler.

For civilians, it’s worrying news. For police, it’s a great way to help nab unsuspecting speeders and other scofflaws.

Ford claims that law enforcement agencies can now do away with aftermarket units that impede rear visibility. The front and rear LED lights are programmable, come with an auto-dimming feature, and completely do away with any need for a roof-mounted light bar.

Available for order on 2017 Police Interceptor Utility models, the new lights should cause drivers to treat stock Ford Explorers with even more wariness and suspicion. Drivers looking to avoid run-ins with the law had better pay closer attention to wheels and paint schemes from now on.

[Image: Ford Motor Company]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Snakebit Snakebit on Oct 05, 2016

    I noticed in one BOS suburb I occasionally pass through have unmarked Taurus's, but all have those 'rainguards'on top of their doorglass. Considering the drought- a certain giveaway, and besides you can see inside mirror blue lights and rear shelf lights even through the full tint. Plenty of full black Exploders with like-color police decals. The state police also use unmarked Exploders, Taurus's, Fusions, F-150s, Jeep Liberty's and Cherokee's. Unfortunately, many state inspection stations are letting go non-public safety vehicles who have full plus-40 percent tint even on front door glass. I know this from a tint-shop owner who himself won't do full-tints on cars not owned by local police depts.

  • Zipper69 Zipper69 on Oct 05, 2016

    There's a bunch of these undercover Fords on the Sun Coast of Florida. All colors and totally anonymous. It's actually possible to make out the extra light fittings, especially from behind.

    • JimC2 JimC2 on Oct 05, 2016

      They stand out from the non-cop car ones because they're the ones *not* doing 20 under the limit with the turn signals endlessly blinking...

  • A4kev A4kev on Oct 05, 2016

    Yeah we've got a similar issue here in Quebec.Our provincial police run "Ghost cars" typically Chargers.They are painted in the same fashion as a modern fighter plane.Used to be that if you saw a Charger you were almost certain it was the revenuers but seems like the Charger is slowly catching on in Canada as it should, it's made here and it's a pretty solid beast - American style.just wish the cop's didn't like them so much !

  • Justice_Gustine Justice_Gustine on Oct 05, 2016

    Radios are changing too. Used to be more alert if the CHP's VHF high to VHF low repeater was in range. Now it never comes up on VHF. Went to digital or something I guess.

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