User:Dolph99uk/Aerial roof markings

Aerial roof markings on Police vehicles in the UK
Most Police vehicles in the United Kingdom will have various markings printed on the roof that assists aircraft to identify them, including symbols, letters and numbers. These show the use of vehicle, unique force code, and vehicle identifying mark or Police division that the vehicle belongs to.

Not every Police vehicle will display markings, but those involved in response and traffic generally do. This stems from ACPO guidelines relating to Police air operations and pursuit management.

Symbols

 * Armed Response Vehicle (ARV) - five-edged star


 * Traffic/Incident Response Vehicle (IRV) - circle


 * Dog Support Unit (DSU) - triangle


 * Public Order (PO) personnel carrier - square

Unique PNC force code
The Police National Computer (PNC) is used by UK Police Forces, as well as other government agencies, to store and retrieve data on people, vehicle, plant and government locations.

As well as being found on the roofs' of Police vehicles, PNC force codes are also used when custody records are created, items are submitted to places such as the Forensic Science Service laboratory, or documents are to be passed from one force to another.

Vehicle identifying mark
Roof markings will be printed using the standard government Transport typeface for maximum legibility at speed. These vary between forces.

For example '42 87QT' can be seen on an Essex Police interceptor, whilst '01  ANS' can be seen on a Met Police public order carrier.