Quebec provincial police limit use of semi-unmarked police cars pending review

MONTREAL – Quebec provincial police are limiting their use of semi-unmarked vehicles pending a review following a fatal collision.

The probe was launched after an officer driving such a car smashed into another vehicle and killed three elderly people on July 18 in Dolbeau-Mistassini, about 300 kilometres north of Quebec City.

Semi-unmarked police cars have white-on-white or black-on-black labelling, making it difficult for motorists to identify them.

Lt. Guy Lapointe said today the force will use the vehicles less frequently to respond to emergencies while it conducts its review

The interim rules dictate that officers driving semi-unmarked cars will only be able to respond to emergencies if they are the only officer around or are closest and the emergency is life-threatening.

The review is scheduled to be completed in the fall.