What is the best way to tell if a Crown Vic is a cop?

[computerpro3]

I'm sure we've all been in the situation before - doing 10-15 of PSL at night and rapidly closing on a crown vic with no lightbar. Is it a cop or not? It can be almost impossible to tell at night without pulling right next to them, which is of course putting yourself at risk for a stop if it is indeed a stealth car or an unmarked.

What are some easy ways to tell?

For me, I look at the wheels - 95% of the time, if it's a cop it will have the black steel rims. Also, look for NMO antenna mounts on the trunk - most organizations won't buy a new car for an unmarked or stealth, they will convert a normal crown vic which leaves the antenna mounts in place.

Any other methods?

[wegrowhair]

I'm sure we've all been in the situation before - doing 10-15 of PSL at night and rapidly closing on a crown vic with no lightbar. Is it a cop or not? It can be almost impossible to tell at night without pulling right next to them, which is of course putting yourself at risk for a stop if it is indeed a stealth car or an unmarked.

What are some easy ways to tell?

For me, I look at the wheels - 95% of the time, if it's a cop it will have the black steel rims. Also, look for NMO antenna mounts on the trunk - most organizations won't buy a new car for an unmarked or stealth, they will convert a normal crown vic which leaves the antenna mounts in place.

Any other methods?

Dual exhaust is what I go by. If it's single, than chances are it's a blue hair.

[88 Fan]

Go faster I also look for a spotlight on the drivers side window.

[Tyrolis]

At night time you can only slow down, look and hope.

Approaching them from behind- The antennae of course is the easiest- even small one in center of trunk. Or the GPS/ Satellite hook up. The extra 2 lights (clear LED) that are on each side of the third brake light. And no sign of a bumper sticker, dealer emblem, license plate trim thing and the car is clean.

Them approaching you from behind- junk on the dash and if they are gaining on you.

And either way- if they are changing lanes and not using their turn signal!

[rockets713]

If you have good eyes you can check the plates. Here in jersey all the "normal" plates will say the garden state on the bottom but leo will have municipal on them.

[9500ier]

The best method is to let someone else pass if you can. If you do finally pass on your own make sure that you do it as slowly as possible until you are sure.

[Motor On]

I check the driver. As the following are all *not* police cars....













There's a disturbing level of people out there putting lights and radios on retired cop cars. There's also the more clever PDs out here that plain register current cars and hand them to the higher ranks. Until I see someone pass or who is driving I don't make any assumptions.

[snoopyc4]

Four things give away a stealth police car:

1. two to three radar antennas on the back of it
2. tax Exempt plates
3. fat tires
4. push bar

[trailtow]

In Tampa Florida they have a few CV's that are total stealth regular tires, no push bar, nothing just hidden lights

[dpatel01]

There's a disturbing level of people out there putting lights and radios on retired cop cars.

Many of those imitators to be seen where I live. The last one I saw was pulled over by a real LEO.