The Essential Dash Light
Emergency dash lights are an essential element of the modern police cruiser. Whether navigating through heavy traffic or engaging in a high-speed chase, police officers require the best emergency light solutions available. Dash lights are available in a number of different configurations and colors and typically feature an on-off switch and an on-board power source; some draw power from the cigarette lighter outlet, while others are wired directly into the electrical system of the cruiser itself. Removable dash lights are an invaluable addition to undercover vehicles, since they can be concealed within the vehicle itself until they are needed and usually require very little installation or setup before they are ready for use. This hidden functionality allows police officers to discreetly perform surveillance, blend into traffic, or conduct speed checks without making their presence known to the general public.
Many dash lights are programmable and can display flashing light patterns as well as steady colored lights. Some include a takedown light to provide additional directional lighting in dark and unfamiliar areas; these lights are similar to those found on standard cruisers and can often be moved and pointed to spotlight a certain area or individual of interest. Other dash lights may allow steady illumination of areas by simply directing the dash light itself in the desired direction; a combination of bright red and blue light has been found to produce sufficient light to identify suspects and observe areas effectively. Another way of providing additional light is to incorporate a floodlight into the dash light kit; while many police operations do not require this sort of illumination, a floodlight can provide exceptional visibility and enhanced safety for officers in hazardous conditions. By incorporating this functionality into a compact dash light installation, police departments can conserve on space and provide added convenience for officers in the field.
Police departments can choose from a variety of colored and bright-white dash lights to suit most law enforcement applications. Most dash lights are designed specifically to serve as an identification and warning signal to other vehicles on the road and to illuminate the areas in front of the police car; especially for undercover vehicles, the dash light may be the only indication motorists have that the car or truck is an official police department vehicle. Extreme Tactical Dynamics offers a wide range of dash lights that meet state and local requirements, allowing them to serve as visual identification of the vehicle and ensuring the safety of the public as well as that of law enforcement personnel.
