Copyright MassLive
The Worcester Police Department on Sunday launched a six-month pilot program to test steady blue lights on police cruisers. The blue lights will be installed on all marked patrol vehicles, according to a press release from City Manager Eric Batista’s office. The program officially began on Sunday morning. “Our hope is that this program will help reduce the risk of collisions and deter unsafe driving habits,” Police Chief Paul Saucier said in the press release. “The blue lights show drivers that our officers are out there and are a reminder to operate lawfully. I believe this could be an effective initiative for us to enhance visibility and take a more proactive stance on traffic calming measures.” Drivers in Worcester don’t have to pull over for officers when these lights are on, according to the press release. They do have to pull over when the lights are flashing and sirens are heard. “I have often said a city’s primary responsibility to its residents is public health and safety. Part of that responsibility is constantly looking for best practices when it comes to the safety of both our police officers and the public, which Chief Saucier has done,” Batista said in the press release. “This program is part of a wholistic approach we have taken toward traffic and public safety that has included adopting a 25-mile-per-hour speed limit, installing speed humps, park-and-walk initiatives, and more as we pursue all avenues to increase wellbeing for our officers, pedestrians, drivers, and the community at large.” WPD and the city will evaluate the program’s impact to determine whether it should be implemented for a longer period of time, the press release reads. Worcester is not the only city in the United States trying out this new program. In September, the Kansas City Police Department in Missouri announced the start of their own blue light program in the hopes of deterring crime, according to their ABC affiliate, KMBC 9.
