Understanding Unmarked & Undercover Police Vehicles in Prescott Valley – Prescott Valley Police Department

Prescott Valley Police officers often receive questions about the use of undercover and unmarked vehicles. While they may look similar, they serve different purposes.

Undercover vehicles are used for surveillance and investigations, and have minimal police equipment, so they blend into the community. Undercover vehicles can be any make or model.

Unmarked police vehicles are used to conduct traffic enforcement. These cars look like regular vehicles in common colors, but they have special police equipment inside. Officers who conduct traffic stops in unmarked vehicles are uniformed and identifiable upon approaching your vehicle.

Officers assigned to unmarked vehicles primarily provide backup to patrol officers responding to emergency calls and help improve roadway safety by enforcing traffic laws. They are designed to blend in, but when their lights are turned on, it’s clear they are police vehicles. These unmarked vehicles are often the same types used for marked police cars.

What to Do If You’re Unsure During a Traffic Stop

Unmarked police vehicles have hidden emergency lights. If one tries to pull you over and you’re not sure it’s really a police car, here are a few steps to take:

• Slow down and activate your hazard lights
• Pull over into a safe, well-lit area
• Keep your windows up until you see a uniformed officer
• If you’re unsure, call 911 and ask the dispatcher to confirm that the officer stopping you is legitimate

Rare Emergency Situations

Traffic stops are usually made by officers in uniform. In rare cases, if a serious or violent crime is happening, a non-uniformed officer may stop a vehicle to keep the public safe. In these situations, officers might use special tactics to keep a suspect from getting away. Marked police cars and uniformed officers will arrive quickly to help.

By understanding how unmarked and undercover vehicles are used, everyone can feel more confident on the road. The Prescott Valley Police Department remains dedicated to effective traffic enforcement and keeping the community safe.