{"id":412282,"date":"2020-01-10T12:11:08","date_gmt":"2020-01-10T17:11:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/newscenter\/?p=412282"},"modified":"2020-01-10T12:11:42","modified_gmt":"2020-01-10T17:11:42","slug":"dps-installs-new-cruise-lights-for-greater-community-presence-412282","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/newscenter\/dps-installs-new-cruise-lights-for-greater-community-presence-412282\/","title":{"rendered":"DPS installs new cruise lights for greater community presence"},"content":{"rendered":"

The University\u2019s Department of Public Safety <\/a> is joining a nationwide community policing effort by installing \u201ccruise lights\u201d on their fleet of vehicles. Cruise lights provide a solid red illumination on the front of the patrol vehicle and a solid blue light on the back and are intended to provide a reassuring DPS presence, adding to officers\u2019 visibility as they provide service to the University community.<\/p>\n

DPS officers may use their cruise lights when patrolling, performing area checks of parking lots, streets, neighborhoods, and while on any University property.\u00a0 The lights may be on anytime the vehicle is stationary or while operating on University roadways.<\/p>\n

Introducing cruise lights to the University community was the suggestion of Student Association President Jamal Holtz \u201920, who is also a member of the Public Safety Advisory Board, and DPS Student Advisory Board formed this semester.<\/p>\n

Cruise lights are a national trend because vehicles are much more noticeable and can be seen at a distance, providing a stronger sense of security. The lights are not used to perform traffic stops so individuals traveling in front of an officer with cruise lights on do not need to pull over. DPS officers operating in emergency situation or performing a traffic stop turn on their bright flashing red, white, and blue lights.<\/p>\n

The new lights have been installed on several DPS vehicles and moving forward all patrol vehicles will be fitted with the cruise light option.<\/p>\n

Here are some additional reminders from DPS on best practices for staying safe:<\/p>\n