police sirens

[tali122]

when the police are responding to an emergency using flashing lights but when are they allowed to use sirens aswell i ask this as it would appear that sirens would give advanced warning to any offenders/criminals -is this of relevance?

[A Chill Wind]

The police aren't just there to apprehend villains - road traffic accidents, fires and other similar emergencies spring to mind.

[goldmember81]

the lights and sirens on emergency vehicles are there as a warning to other road users. With respect to tali22's comment, about advanced warning, yes the criminals would be aware that there is an emergency vehicle in the area. However when attendining an emergency "on a blue light" where it is believed the offenders are still present it is common practice to turn off the lights and siren before approaching the scene.

[Buenchico]

Sometimes giving offenders advance warning that the police are on their way can be a positive thing.

Imagine for example, that you're set upon by a gang of drunken louts. Someone else sees this and phones the police but is too scared to intervene directly. So there you are, huddled on the ground, having kicks repeatedly aimed at your head and body. You know that any one of those kicks could kill you. At that moment, you won't be in the slightest bit interested in whether the louts get arrested and brought before the courts; all that will matter to you is that the assault should stop as soon as possible. Then the sound of a police siren is heard. The louts hear it and take flight. OK, so they've avoided immediate arrest but the sound of that siren may well have saved you life.

Chris