To the Editor:

Recently, in both the towns of Guilderland and Bethlehem I noted completely “blacked out” police vehicles. The markings identifying them as police vehicles are largely invisible and, although it seems the practice is technically legal on a police vehicle, the windows are completely “blacked out.”

In addition, the license plates are covered with a tint, which I believe is not legal as it does not allow the public to identify the vehicle. Why do the departments feel this is necessary?

I am not alleging that the vehicles were being operated in an unsafe manner but, if they were, how would a town citizen alert the department to the violation?

From my perspective, I also think that it projects a militarization of law enforcement and a departure from a “protect and serve” approach to the citizens of these two towns.

The work that law-enforcement performs can be difficult and dangerous and I do have a concern that when a shift in the perception of the police goes from friend to foe, it does them no favors.

John McCarthy

Guilderland

Editor’s note: Bethlehem Police Chief Gina Cocchiara told The Enterprise in an email, “The vast majority of our fleet consists of traditionally marked, high-visibility patrol vehicles. These are the cars most commonly seen on routine patrol and are intentionally designed to be easily recognizable to the public, both as a deterrent to crime and as a visible symbol of our presence in the community.

“The few vehicles in our fleet that utilize more subdued markings serve specific operational purposes. These lower-profile vehicles are fully compliant with New York State vehicle and traffic laws and remain clearly marked as police vehicles upon closer inspection or when illuminated at night.”

She said the department keeps a small number of these vehicles for the following reasons: They “can be particularly helpful in areas where overt police presence may influence behavior before meaningful observation can occur”; they have a more subtle presence than traditional vehicles for off-duty use, such as for “training, transport, or community events”; and they are in line with the more modern design trends for police vehicles across departments. 

“We understand and respect the concerns expressed about the perception of militarization,” Cocchiara said. “Our goal is, and always will be, to maintain strong community trust and transparency. We remain committed to a ‘protect and serve’ philosophy in all that we do, and we welcome continued dialogue with our residents.”