GREENVILLE — While you've been cruising around Greenville lately, you might have noticed more police officers than you did previously. The tell? Their steady blue lights, now being kept on during patrol.
The lights are static and dimmer than the typical flashing emergency lights. Drivers do not need to react differently to the steady lights, but still need to pull over for flashing lights.
Is there anything prompting the change?
In the past, Greenville police have kept their blue lights on steady as they patrol the city in order to establish a presence in times of heightened tension.
For example, during protests following the death of George Floyd in 2020, police officers patrolled with their lights on.
The department has also used them during busy holiday seasons so that drivers know they are there.
Now, the department says they are making the change to increase their visibility, but not in connection to any particular event or trend.
"Our initiative is solely dedicated to ensuring the safety of our citizens and preventing crime by increasing visibility," Sgt. Diana Munoz told The Post and Courier.
Can officers turn their lights off for speed traps?
Yes. Officers have the discretion to turn off their lights while "being proactive" or responding to calls in progress, Munoz said.
The lights are intended to deter and prevent crime, so officers can still choose to turn them off when necessary.
