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ghost car
DCHP-2 (May 2016)
1n.
an unmarked police car (see Images 1 and 2).
Type: 5. Frequency — The most likely interpretation is that ghost car, which is reported first in a US context (see 1938 quotation) is a preservation of older American usage in Canadian English. The term is quite widespread in Canada. While ghost car has other general meanings, such as vehicles that cause bodily harm without making physical contact or vehicles that appear to vanish into thin air, among others, the meaning 'unmarked police car' is used nationally in Canada. Chart 1 shows predominant use of the form in Canada.
See also COD-2, which marks it "Cdn".
See also COD-2, which marks it "Cdn".
Quotations
1938
Harrisburg, Pa., Feb. 19.--A camera capable of photographing licenses of speeding automobiles at night was brought forward to-day by the Pennsylvania motor police. It was offered as a new weapon in the state's war on highway accidents.
Commissioner Percy W. Foote said the cameras would be installed soon in many of the patrol's white "ghost cars" that took to the road some time ago to combat highway law violations.
The photographic marvel is expected to pierce the brightest headlight rays and clock the speed of the car at the same time.
1962
Opposition to the use of ghost cars operated by policemen without uniforms was expressed at the annual meeting of the directors of the Alberta Motor Association in the Palliser Hotel Saturday.
1973
The campus RCMP undercover squad's secret staff car (i.e. ghost car) is a light green Pontiac sedan.
1976
He said the accident occurred on June 14 when a constable in an unmarked traffic “ghost” car saw a Camaro pass him from behind at high speed.
1986
RCMP won't use unmarked cars - called ghost cars or slicks - on the Trans-Canada and Yellowhead highways during Expo 86, which commences in Vancouver May 1, Reid said.
1990
The E.C. Row Expressway is getting its very own ghost.
Windsor police plan to rent a "ghost car," an unmarked cruiser dedicated to patrolling the highway in search of traffic violators.
Its just one measure - from better road maintenance to stepped-up enforcement - that police are urging to prevent one of the city's busiest arteries from becoming a death trap for drivers.
1997
[Headline]
Man gets 18 months for breaking into ghost car
- A man who chose an unmarked RCMP vehicle as a break-in target is on his way to prison.
2007
"The officers were treated and released," said police spokesman Const. Howard Chow. "We expect them to make a complete recovery."
One cruiser was a marked squad car, the other a ghost car. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage.
Saturday night was particularly busy downtown, with St. Patrick's Day celebrants joined by revellers who hit the streets following the Vancouver Canucks' game at GM Place.
References
- COD-2
Images
Image 1: Decomissioned ghost car. See photo caption (Source: http://www.intelligencer.ca/)
Image 2: Historical ghost car, on duty at UBC campus (source: The Ubyssey, 15 Feb. 1962)
