Watch out drivers, you may need to look for a different kind of car in your rear-view mirrors now. Abilene Police are starting to change the look of their patrol units.It's something that Police Chief Melvin Martin says has been a vision for a while. "We have been thinking about this for several years and this is kind of a movement in policing right now; is to move back to the black and white."
So APD proudly showed off the prototype of the new design for their patrol cars. Something they think may even bring a new identity to Abilene.
"We're looking for more of an identity, and black and white is definitely an identity of Police," says Chief Martin. Sgt. Gerald Moran agrees saying that the black and white cars will definitely be something new for Abilene. In the past they've used a blue color for their cars and recently they drive all white units.
Police Chief Martin also says that it will also bring a boost to officer morale. "I think our officers will love it. In fact, we've only had the car here for about an hour and everybody that comes by loves it."
Sgt. Moran says an increase in morale could bring an increase in productivity. "If an officer is happy he's going to be productive." He goes on to explain how the patrol car becomes an office for many Policemen. "Ten hours a day, this is the office for our guys, and they want to be seen in a pretty sharp car."
Moran also points out that the black and white cars should also increase Police visibility on the streets. "People may not always notice a white car traveling through their streets. But they'll definitely notice a black and white, and hopefully that will be a deterrent to criminals."
What also makes the Police proud of their new vehicles is because this will serve as a tribute, of sorts, for Chief Martin, who is set to retire this year.
Right now APD says it will cost nearly $1,300 per car to put the black vinyl on, but the longterm goal is to eventually bid for cars being made in the black and white color scheme.
While this is only a prototype and some changes are going to be made. Police say you can look for this car on the streets in the coming weeks.
