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SMITHFIELD, Utah (AP) -- A car that looks like a police cruiser and occupied by a mannequin dressed as a police officer will be parked on various streets to discourage speeding.
Police Chief John McCoy said the plans are being made public to avoid the appearance of trying to trick the public.
"We don't want to deceive the public," he said. "We don't want to play games with them. The decoy is to remind people to slow down.
"It's to remind drivers that that could have been a real officer," McCoy said.
The decoy car is equipped with lights, but no police decals. Two signs are posted in the windows say the car is a decoy and to call 911 if emergency assistance is needed.
McCoy said the car will be moved almost every day and placed in areas near schools and the golf course where speed limits are lowest. It will also be placed in residential areas and at the north and south ends of the city on Main street.
The decoy car will be employed for about two months, and its effect on traffic will be monitored.
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
