NCJ Number
112030
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 57 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1988) Pages: 19-22
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The implementation of HELP (High Intensity Emergency Scene Lighting Plan) has enabled the New York City Police Department to quadruple the number of city blocks the department can illuminate (from 100 to 450) in the event of a blackout so as to respond better to pedestrian and traffic problems, potential looting incidents, roving gangs of youth, and rescue efforts.
Abstract
The light selected for HELP is an aircraft landing light adapted for police use. Weighing about 2 pounds, the light is a sealed beam encased in a sturdy protective housing. It is about the size of a typical automobile headlight and projects a beam beyond 400 feet, illuminating everything in its path. Each light runs on 13 volts of electricity and requires 100 watts of power, an easy load for police vehicles to handle through their cigarette lighters. The lights are equipped with magnetized pods for adhesion to patrol vehicles. A pair of lighting devices have been permanently attached to the roof lighting array of 103 highway patrol unit vehicles, and two emergency service unit patrol vehicles are equipped with 10 lights a piece. Approximately 200 lights have been distributed among the department's seven major patrol commands, the detective bureau, and special operations division. One hundred lights are on standby.