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.
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