Unmarked vehicles bearing Montana license plates have been spotted flashing red and blue lights while directing traffic at construction sites across the Denver metro area, and the company behind them is now facing scrutiny from state troopers, a former contractor, and at least one worker who has already pleaded guilty to a felony over the practice. Denver Metro Security, based in Lakewood and Wheat Ridge, is accused of using emergency-style lighting that Colorado law reserves for police, fire, and specifically authorized vehicles, while registering its fleet out of state to sidestep Colorado’s vehicle rules.
The allegations were detailed in an investigation by Denver7, which found that Denver Metro Security vehicles carried Montana plates while using red and blue lights typically associated with law enforcement. Colorado resident Jordan Shaw told the station he noticed the red and blue lights on cars bearing Montana plates and said the purpose or authority of the vehicles was unclear to him. Shaw photographed several of the vehicles and said the use of the lights misrepresented the company’s authority, according to Denver7’s reporting.
Denver Metro Security operations manager Nate Boyd told the station the company believed it had permission to use red and blue emergency lights because a POST-certified officer was in the car. Colorado State Patrol disputed that reasoning, telling Denver7 that a POST-certified officer in a vehicle does not grant a private company the authority to use red and blue emergency lights. Kevin Heely, who worked for Denver Metro Security as a contractor for 10 years before leaving the company earlier this year, said false information had been put out and disputed the claims Boyd made about the lights.
What Colorado Law Actually Requires
Under Colorado Revised Statutes ยง 42-4-238, only sworn peace officers, chief-approved emergency vehicles, or permitted volunteer responders may legally display or operate red or blue lights visible from the front center of a vehicle, a violation classified as a misdemeanor. Private vehicles can only use red and blue lights if they carry a state-issued emergency vehicle equipment authorization, commonly known as a Red Dot Sticker, which requires signed approval on a state form from a police chief, sheriff, fire chief, or Colorado State Patrol commander and is valid for two years, according to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles…