Rein in excessive use of police flashing lights

THE EDITOR, Sir:

Is there a protocol for the police in using flashing blue lights? In my area, it is now the norm to see police vehicles driving slowly, especially at night, through communities with flashing blue lights.

I believe that the Police High Command should address cops' excessive use of flashing lights. They are getting a lot of flak from citizens for their unwarranted use.

Recently, a report was made to our local police that men in a car were stealing goats. The police came with flashing lights and the goat thieves vanished. Some citizens swore that the police were part of the goat-stealing ring because they came with such fanfare.

I observed in another community where the local police came through slowly with flashing blue lights. A few minutes later, another police vehicle (not from the area) came through without the flashing lights. Some citizens who observe this claimed that the police from the area with flashing lights were warning their cronies of an approaching police vehicle.

We cannot outrightly dismiss what some citizens claim. Should the Police High Command fail to rein in those police officers who continue the unnecessary use of flashing blue lights, even more citizens will be making unwarranted claims about the police.

AUTHNEL REID

reidaut@icloud.com