Unmarked vehicles in your neighborhood? Local officials say no reason for concern

In a nation and community on edge due to immigrant raids and enforcement, it seems unusual that local cities and counties would intentionally send unmarked vehicles to neighborhoods over the next month.

However, that’s exactly what is planned to test radio signals in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County.

Unmarked vehicles with three occupants will be stopping near homes, businesses and along roadways from Sept. 8 through Sept. 26.

During the testing period, there should not be anyone from the unmarked vehicles approaching homes on foot or asking residents for information.

A notice, sent to residents of Waynesboro by email, may be an attempt by city leaders to quell fear and suspicion among its residents, that no, it’s not a child predator ready to snatch your kid when they get off the school bus, and no, it’s not some rando surveilling your home, and no, it’s not ICE looking to arrest you or one of your neighbors.

Augusta County residents would be the first to tell officials that not everyone has email or the internet, as some frustrated residents told leaders after the boil water advisory recently. Some county residents were hand-delivered a notice about the advisory, others got a phone call. However, residents told AFP those notices came hours after the advisory went into effect putting their health at risk.

It would seem a better solution in this case might be to simply put some kind of signage on the vehicle … a sticker, a magnet, maybe some kind of sign in the window or a banner. One would think those options are all pretty cheap, and localities could probably snag one online or at get something printed up at one of many local sign companies before the testing begins next month.

I dunno, just a thought.

I mean, there are some paranoid people out there; delivery drivers have been shot for not having signage. It’s kind of the world we live in now, unfortunately. Shoot first, ask questions later. Stand your ground. All of that.

The testing, according to the city, is part of an upgrade to a new P25 Digital Trunked radio system in the SAW region that aims to assist public safety personnel during emergency-response operations.

The testing will measure and verify the strength and quality of a radio signal to ensure reliable and efficient communication for public safety entities. The testing will also confirm compliance with safety and performance standards.

If you see a vehicle that could be involved in the testing but have concerns, you are encouraged to contact your local dispatch center on the non-emergency lines listed below:

• City of Staunton: 540-332-3842
• County of Augusta: 540-245-5501
• City of Waynesboro: 540-942-6701

Wouldn’t signage just be easier than bogging down phone lines? I dunno, just a thought.

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