Costa Mesa police cars returning to two-tone

Deirdre Newman

Police officers will be cruising in their black-and-whites again

after the City Council approved changing the color scheme of the

department’s entire patrol fleet.

The council voted 4 to 1 to change the colors of the police cars

from all white to the traditional black and white.

The change complements Chief John Hensley’s effort to establish a

community-oriented police force. It will increase officer visibility

and improve officer morale, Hensley said.

“I do agree with the visibility and morale issues,” Councilman

Allan Mansoor said. “I also like the fact that we’ve identified a

funding source.”

The department transferred to all white cars in the early 1970s

mainly to reduce costs and increase officer comfort without having to

pay for the added expense of air conditioning.

Many of the police officers expressed interest in changing the

fleet to black and white. The officers will be happy with this

decision, said Jeff Gilman, president of the Costa Mesa Police Assn.

“As far as the rank and file, which I represent, are concerned,

this will be huge,” Gilman said. “Since you were a little kid, you

dream about driving in a black-and-white. That’s the way it’s

supposed to be.”

Resident Robert Graham said he preferred to see the white paint

job stay. Switching to black and white would make some residents

uncomfortable around police, he said.

“There’s intimidation with black and white,” Graham said. “There

are positive aspects with that, but there’s also the cooperation of

the immigrant population when they’re not threatened. We need that

cooperation to keep the city safe.”

Councilwoman Libby Cowan, who cast the dissenting vote, agreed

with Graham.

“I think it’s a step back and people are more willing to approach

[a patrol car with] a softer look,” Cowan said.

Lt. Karl Schuler disputed Cowan’s claim that all-white cars were

more approachable.

“There’s no empirical data that shows that white cars are more

effective,” Schuler said. “Officers really favor this, and it will

definitely increase morale.”

The cost to repaint the 45 Crown Victorias in the department’s

fleet will be about $15,000. The Police Department will pay for the

redesign, which will include new decals, out of its own budget,

according to a staff report.

* DEIRDRE NEWMAN covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4221 or by e-mail at deirdre.newman@latimes.com.