I HAVE seen police patrolling in my housing area in the early morning hours with the beacons on top of their patrol cars switched on. Is this the standard operating procedure? Wouldn’t the beacon lights act as a warning signal to thieves preparing to break into a house or a car that police are in the vicinity, thus giving them sufficient time to hide or escape?

Perhaps the police have their own reasons, but I still think the beacons should not be switched on while they make their rounds in residential areas. Could the powers that be in the police force enlighten me on this matter?

Source: NST – November 20, 2008