Police lingo - "it's going to be a...<x>"

[DarrenS]

This question occurred to me after watching quality, educational documentaries about police work like "World's Scariest Police Videos".

It seems that all over the US, police departments have the same speech pattern when describing a suspect vehicle:

"It's going to be a red Pontiac."

Why the future tense? And why is it so consistent across departments?

[Mr. Slant]

"When you see it, it's going to be a Maroon Stutz-Bearcat.."

[DarrenS]

It was really more of a burgundy.

[pravnik]

Beige? That's "Champagne Gold!"

[danceswithcats]

This question occurred to me after watching quality, educational documentaries about police work like "World's Scariest Police Videos".

It seems that all over the US, police departments have the same speech pattern when describing a suspect vehicle:

"It's going to be a red Pontiac."

Why the future tense? And why is it so consistent across departments? WAG is that when I'm telling you to be aware of something you've yet to encounter, the future tense is appropriate. The fire service isn't very different.

[saoirse]

It was really more of a burgundy.

But it will be maroon.