Angels Night, Detroit

Jimmy252 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-30-2007, 08:56 PM

I heard on the news that the Angels night volunteers were given radios...does anyone know what frequencies they are operating on? Is it the detroit MPSCS system, or CB...?

GreatLakes · #2 (**permalink**) 10-30-2007, 10:42 PM

They used to use regular C.B.'s, but I think they may be using FRS/GMRS now.

I'm curious as to why they're allowed to use the amber rotating lights on their cars. But hey, it's Detroit, they do what ever the Hell they want!

gg750 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-30-2007, 10:54 PM

Perhaps this is related (or perhaps not, but I thought I'd post anyway). Heard an unknown talkgroup tonight, 4296, off the Traverse City tower (432). Two guys chatting regarding a house they were keeping an eye on. No location, no unit numbers (they were using first names), then one guy said he was switching is prep over to a DPD talk group and to catch him there if needed. I'm going to post this on the uknown TG thread as well, but though it might also come in handy here.

Thanks,
G

EC-7 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 04:20 PM

My group uses CB 34 and also 154.570 and 154.600 MURS.
We have/had some handhelds that were givin to us by the city years ago, but our group hasn't used them since I've joined 3 years ago. Im told there so old and obsolete and the batteries are shot. I have no idea what freq they are on.

Some other groups use CB channel 2, 8, and 40.
FRS / GMRS is a joke, because smart people know they really dont work 12 miles like advertised. There lucky to talk around the block.

Last month at a meeting, the Mayor's assistant who controls the city's neighborhood patrol groups said they were looking into getting us some of the new 800 handhelds, but at $5,000 each, they would be limited and not until next year (maybe).

I dont know why they would spend that much, when we could use the old 450 system that they have all the equipment for already. Plus, most people cant understand a simple CB radio, let alone a advanced trunking radio.

As for the amber lights, we were told we can run Amber and white lights when on patrol. This is listed right in the handbook we got at the city meeting last month. I think state law says we cant, but it would only be city cops who would (might) say something, but in our group's area, the police WANT us to run them (when needed), not just during Angels Night weekend. I think it might be a loophole in the lighting law, since we are paid by the City of Detroit when on patrol.

**PLEASE dont get into a stupid lighting debate in this thread**

Piston52Heavy · #5 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreatLakes

They used to use regular C.B.'s, but I think they may be using FRS/GMRS now.

I'm curious as to why they're allowed to use the amber rotating lights on their cars. But hey, it's Detroit, they do what ever the Hell they want!

A few years ago when I had Sheriff Hackel for a Law Enforcement class at Macomb Community College, we did student patrol Devils' night and Halloween night and we had rotating amber lights for the roofs of our vehicles.

gpp10x · #6 (**permalink**) 11-01-2007, 04:27 AM

I believe the old vhf/uhf system that Detroit Fire and Police used has been dismantled.

GreatLakes · #7 (**permalink**) 11-01-2007, 11:52 AM

From everything I read, I do not see a provision to allow the use of amber rotating lights on personal vehicles for situations such as Angel's Night in Detroit, Michigan.

Question: I own a retired Police Cruiser and am looking into adding on some extra equipment (Spotlights, etc.). Before I do so I would like to know what is legal (both on and off the road) here in Michigan.
Answer: If your intention is to equip this vehicle to represent an authorized emergency vehicle you cannot operate that vehicle on the roadway unless you are a peace officer. The use and/or possession of a flashing, rotating, or oscillating light of any color would be prohibited.

Source: http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7...html#equipment

MICHIGAN VEHICLE CODE (EXCERPT)
Act 300 of 1949
257.698 Side cowl or fender lamps; running board courtesy lamp; backing lights; lamp or reflector; flashing, oscillating, or rotating lights; private motor vehicle of security guard agency or alarm company; use of lights authorized or required under §§ 257.697, 257.697a, and 257.698a; violation as civil infraction.

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(suv...me=mcl-257-698

Traffic Bench Book, Third Edition
Civil Infractions / Misdemeanor Traffic Offenses
http://courts.michigan.gov/mji/resou...icBB-Vol_1.pdf

hoser147 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-01-2007, 01:20 PM

Must have worked well didnt see it plastered on the news as usual. Keep up the good work guys. Hoser

policeMonitor · #9 (**permalink**) 11-03-2007, 02:27 PM

in that case im getting more whack lights in my car

Piston52Heavy · #10 (**permalink**) 11-03-2007, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piston52Heavy

A few years ago when I had Sheriff Hackel for a Law Enforcement class at Macomb Community College, we did student patrol Devils' night and Halloween night and we had rotating amber lights for the roofs of our vehicles.

When I say we had rotating amber lights for the roofs of our vehicles, these were given to us by the Sheriff's Department. I guess they were more like flashing lights than rotating.

GreatLakes · #11 (**permalink**) 11-03-2007, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piston52Heavy

When I say we had rotating amber lights for the roofs of our vehicles, these were given to us by the Sheriff's Department. I guess they were more like flashing lights than rotating.

I guess it's like a lot of things these days. No big deal, unless they want to make it a big deal.