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Sheriff clarifies deputies may run radar from unmarked vehicles on county roads
Summary
Ellis County Sheriff Scott Brown told commissioners that deputies are legally permitted to operate radar in unmarked, darkened vehicles on county roads as long as they do not create a traffic hazard; the clarification followed a citizen concern.
Ellis County Sheriff Scott Brown addressed the commission on Feb. 18 after a citizen raised concerns about deputies operating radar from unmarked, darkened vehicles.
Brown said the practice is lawful on county roads when officers are not creating a hazard and when public safety considerations allow. “Just so the public is aware, it is legal for my guys to be blacked out with no lights on, running radar, on 183, on I‑70, any county road as long as they're not causing a hazard,” Brown said. He added that deputies sometimes minimize visible lights because drivers slow down when they see marked patrol vehicles, and that enforcement decisions balance deterrence and safety.
Why this matters: The clarification was prompted by public questions about enforcement methods. Brown’s statement aims to make the county’s enforcement practice explicit while emphasizing safety considerations.
Ending: The sheriff briefed commissioners and left the matter for public awareness; no policy change or ordinance was proposed.
