Cleveland Police has specified Code 3 vehicle lighting solutions on a number of specialist and operational vehicles, including a recently converted unmarked vehicle.
The force has worked with Code 3 for several years, with its fleet team involved in specifying emergency lighting for different vehicle applications. The work has included marked and unmarked vehicles, as well as specialist vehicles such as a Volvo XC60 used for dog handling.
For emergency service fleets, warning lighting is an integral part of vehicle safety and operational capability, with the specification determined by the role and operating requirements of each vehicle. These considerations can become particularly demanding for unmarked and specialist vehicles, where the installation needs to balance discretion with effective warning visibility when required.
Specifying for an unmarked vehicle
The latest project involved an unmarked vehicle being converted by Intomove to a traffic specification for Cleveland Police. Code 3 worked with the force and Intomove on the lighting specification, including the positioning and supply of blue light solutions.
The requirement was to provide a lighting installation appropriate for an unmarked vehicle while maintaining sufficient warning visibility when the vehicle is operating under blue lights.
Dave Allen, Fleet Manager at Cleveland Police, said:
"We have worked with Code 3 for a number of years on different vehicle applications. The requirements are different for a marked response vehicle and an unmarked traffic vehicle, so the lighting specification has to take the role of the vehicle into account."
For the recently converted unmarked vehicle, the lighting was specified around its unmarked configuration, with warning equipment positioned to provide visibility while retaining the appearance and function required of a covert vehicle.
Dave Allen added:
"Code 3 has provided sample lights when we have needed to assess a product for a particular application. That gives us an opportunity to see how the equipment works on the vehicle before making a decision on the specification."
A specification-led approach
Sara Brandham, National Account Manager at Code 3, has been the main contact with Cleveland Police and has been involved in the vehicle specifications.
Sara Brandham said:
"We have worked with Cleveland Police on a number of different projects, so the requirement is not always the same from one vehicle to the next.
"With the recently converted unmarked vehicle, the focus was on developing a suitable lighting specification for an unmarked traffic vehicle and working with Intomove to integrate the equipment into the conversion."
Code 3 works with police, fire and ambulance fleets, as well as specialist vehicle converters, to develop warning systems around individual vehicle roles and operational requirements. This specification-led approach is particularly relevant where standard lighting configurations may not be appropriate, including covert and specialist applications.
For police and other emergency fleets, the choice of lighting depends on the vehicle type, its operational role and the way in which warning equipment needs to be integrated into the vehicle. Code 3's portfolio includes lightbars, exterior and perimeter lighting, beacons, minibars, sirens and speakers, all designed to work together as part of a fully integrated emergency vehicle ecosystem that enhances visibility and safety.
Rather than treating warning equipment as a standalone vehicle accessory, Code 3 works with fleet teams and converters at the specification stage, taking account of the vehicle, its intended role and the way in which the safety equipment will be used and integrated.
Sara Brandham added:
"Working with fleet teams at the specification stage means we can look at the vehicle and its intended use and select the equipment accordingly. On an unmarked vehicle, for example, the installation and positioning of the warning lights are particularly important."
Cleveland Police continues to use Code 3 equipment across its fleet, with the two organisations working together on individual vehicle requirements as they arise.
Dave Allen added:
"We are pleased with the way the relationship has developed and with the support we receive from Sara. We will continue to look at Code 3 products as part of our vehicle specifications where they meet the requirements of the fleet."
