Title
Resolution Approving the Orland Park Police Department’s ("OPPD") Patrol Cruise Lights Pilot Program by Activating Steady Blue and Red Cruise Lights on Marked Police Vehicles to Increase Visibility and Deter Crime.
History
The Orland Park Police Department’s (“OPPD”) is proposing to implement a Patrol Cruise Lights Pilot Program, which would activate steady blue and red cruise lights on marked police vehicles during routine patrol. The objective of the pilot program is to increase officer visibility, enhance public safety, and deter criminal activity through highly visible law enforcement presence.
Over the past year, the Village has received numerous comments from residents expressing a desire for increased police visibility throughout the community. Research has consistently shown that a visible law enforcement presence serves as a significant deterrent to criminal behavior. This is supported by the Routine Activity Theory, which notes that the presence of a “capable guardian”-in this case police patrols reduce opportunities for crime.
Several police departments across the country, including those in Williamson County (IL), Wilmington (NC), Miami (FL), Kansas City (MO), and Worcester (MA), have adopted steady cruise light programs as part of their proactive public safety strategies. These jurisdictions have reported measurable reductions in offenses such as burglaries, vehicle thefts, and other opportunistic crimes.
Additionally, an evaluation from BetaGov, part of NYU’s Marron Institute of Urban Management, found that steady cruise lights demonstrate a deterrent effect, particularly for property-related crimes. These findings support the value of high-visibility policing through simple, low-cost measures.
Currently, marked OPPD vehicles are already equipped with the necessary steady blue and red cruise light technology. Therefore, implementing a pilot program does not require additional capital investment.
The proposed pilot program would authorize officers to activate steady blue and red cruise lights on marked vehicles during routine patrol activities. These lights are not emergency response lights; rather, they serve as a method of increasing visibility without requiring sirens or emergency-level illumination.
The program will specifically exclude the use of steady cruise lights during:
• Emergency response
• Traffic stops
• Tactical or undercover operations
• Situations in which officer visibility could compromise safety
Before initiation of the pilot program, OPPD will conduct public education awareness efforts through social media, press releases, the Village’s website, community presentations, and providing FAQs. The aim is to ensure the public understands the purpose of steady lights and does not confuse them with emergency responses.
At the conclusion of the pilot period, OPPD will evaluate the program and present comprehensive assessment to the Village Board and recommendation regarding permanent implementation or discontinuation of the program.
Financial Impact
There is no significant financial impact anticipated. All marked OPPD vehicles already contain the necessary cruise light features.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to pass a Resolution entitled: RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ORLAND PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT’S ("OPPD") PATROL CRUISE LIGHTS PILOT PROGRAM BY ACTIVATING STEADY BLUE AND RED CRUISE LIGHTS ON MARKED POLICE VEHICLES TO INCREASE VISIBILITY AND DETER CRIME.