Suffolk Sheriff Pulls One Over With April Fool's 'News' Of Light-Up Uniform Patches

YAPHANK, NY — It was like blending "Tron" with something out of "Batman."

Bruce Wayne would have been jealous.

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol office pulled one over on the public Wednesday with a news release about a new uniform enhancement — LED light-up shoulder patches designed to improve visibility and support deputy safety during nighttime patrols.

Pictures were distributed in the release showing officers wearing the glowing patches, as well as a closeup of the patch itself.

Toulon was said to have "unveiled" the illuminated patches, and noted that they represent “a bold step into the future of law-enforcement fashion and technology.”

“These patches ensure our deputies and correction officers remain visible during nighttime operations, low-light conditions, and power outages,” Toulon is to have said. “Plus, if a sworn officer needs to get dressed for work in the dark, it makes finding the uniform much easier.”

For a moment there, it appeared law enforcement caught up with its Science Fiction versions.

But, alas, the announcement was just a cheeky prank as part of April Fool's Day.

The new patches were said to have been equipped with advanced Light-Emitting Duty Technology (LEDT), and to deliver "bright, consistent illumination at the push of a button— because sometimes visibility just needs a little extra boost."

They were supposed to be engineered to improve deputy visibility on roadways; help motorists in identifying law-enforcement personnel during traffic incidents; feature rechargeable battery power for long-lasting performance, and offer adjustable brightness settings for various conditions.

They also had a special “party mode,” allowing patches to change colors in sync with nearby music, but that was strictly for morale purposes.

Community members would have been able to notice the patches lighting up during routine patrols, traffic stops, and any situation where deputies tried to read paperwork in the dark.

The sheriff was also encouraging the public "to wave — or enjoy the light show — as deputies test-drive" the upgrade.

Some might say it's a shame the patches weren't real.

But, nonetheless, the release ended, with a notification that it was "APRIL FOOLS" after all.