Strange police car

Ebe_Scrooge

I was driving through town yesterday, and saw this car ( I saw it side-on whilst waiting in traffic). A very ordinary white car ( couldn't make out what model, but something ordinary like an Astra or Focus or similar ). No markings whatsoever, except the word "Police" emblazoned along the side in huge letters. The person driving ( and sole occupant ) was not in police uniform.

What's that all about ? It's obviously not a standard "marked" patrol car, neither can it be described as "unmarked", due to the prominent lettering. This was in Scotland, if it makes any difference.

Not that it matters one jot really - but it's been puzzling me as to what the purpose of the car was ?

Oh, and it was really close to the main district police station, and I've seen similar cars a few times, so I doubt it's just someone having a bit of a laugh and chancing their arm

rs65

There are a few that were recovered under (I think) proceeds of crime legislation and drafted into service.

rich13348

I see a lot of these cars going round. Mostly Corsas or other small cars. My thinking is they are pool cars used by detectives or police staff.

Car_54

It may not be "normal" police.

British Transport Police, Royal Military Police, MODPlod, etc?

Nebulous2

Police do some stuff which isn't about chasing criminals and may not be what some of the public expect police to do. They used to have unmarked cars for 'other duties' but they are all now expected to be marked. I knew somebody in a sensitive role supporting families, who was concerned about having it made obvious that they were a police officer.

Herzlos

There are a lot of support vehicles which are just pretty normal with police signwriting on them. I don't think you need to treat them any differently to any other road vehicle.

Tothepoint.

Nebulous2 wrote: »

Police do some stuff which isn't about chasing criminals and may not be what some of the public expect police to do. They used to have unmarked cars for 'other duties' but they are all now expected to be marked. I knew somebody in a sensitive role supporting families, who was concerned about having it made obvious that they were a police officer.

No they're not and they still have plain cars.

Giles_K

Like some others have said, not every car needs to be marked. Even 'plain' police cars can operate in emergency situations with the appropriate blues and twos.

That said, I haven't seen one of these vehicles, but it wouldn't surprise me. It seems like a quick way to indicate a vehicle for Police use without the proper graphical treatment. Does anyone have any photos?

Tothepoint.

Giles_K wrote: »

Like some others have said, not every car needs to be marked. Even 'plain' police cars can operate in emergency situations with the appropriate blues and twos.

That said, I haven't seen one of these vehicles, but it wouldn't surprise me. It seems like a quick way to indicate a vehicle for Police use without the proper graphical treatment. Does anyone have any photos?

Now that's something they can't do.

rhysadams

We are in Derby and there are a few cars being used by the police which are hire cars, this is due to restraints in fleet numbers

Ebe_Scrooge

Thanks for all the replies. Like I say, it's nothing more than curiosity on my part