Florida, as you probably know, is incredibly prone to tropical storms. Last year, the Sunshine State saw a handful of record-breaking hurricanes rampage through the state. During that time, Hillsborough County officers had their cruise lights—which are different from emergency lights, as they’re static, and they’re not as bright—on at all times while giving evacuation orders.

Following the storms, officials found that having the cruise lights on helped the public identify an officer more easily. During emergencies, it helps people flag down an officer for help. On the other hand, it may help deter crime.

“When the lights are on, we want you to know that we are here, and we are approachable,” said Casey Minuto, a spokesperson for the County Sheriff’s Office, told FOX 13. “We don’t want the community to worry. If you see those solid lights, there’s no action required. You don’t need to do anything. This is just to let you know that we are there.”

Therefore, Hillsborough County became the first Florida county to require officers have their cruise lights on at all times.

A study says cruise lights make crime less likely

Interestingly enough, the county Sheriff’s department attempted to implement this back in 2020. For six months, officers had their cruise lights lit, and an internal study showed that vehicles were 44% less likely to be stolen, the number of accidents dropped by 26%, people were 20% less likely to be arrested, and people were 16% less inclined to burglarize a car.

Michael McHale, the president of Southwest Florida’s PBA, said it lets those with bad intentions know officers are watching.

“It obviously is a psychological deterrent. It lets the citizens know, hey, there are police in the area,” he explained. “The fact that you’re identifying there’s law enforcement in the area may quite very well be the deciding factor, whether or not [someone] is going to engage in illegal behavior.”

Maybe good for the public, but bad for officers?

McHale said that while it may deter crime and help people quickly flag down help, it could also put officers in danger. In 2024, 60 officers were reportedly ambushed, and he thinks the ease of identification may have played a part.

“The issue that comes up of concern, obviously, when you are highlighting yourself, you may or may not be subject to an ambush,” he said.

The law says, though, that if an officer feels they’re in danger, they can switch the lights off. McHale thinks the benefits of a highlighted police presence outweigh the negatives.

“There are pros and cons in everything we do,” he said. “I think the factor that we’re driving through patrolling neighborhoods with those lights on gives peace of mind.”