Albuquerque Police are considering changing its fleet to black and white cars
Albuquerque — The Albuquerque Police Department is considering a change in the look of its police cruisers and Mayor Richard J. Berry wants to know if the community likes the new style.
On Wednesday, the Mayor and Police Chief Ray Schultz unveiled a new prototype black and white police car that could replace the current red, white and blue design if it gets positive feedback from the community.
“The look of our officers is very important and it should be a look that community as whole feels is a good representation of our city,” Mayor Berry said. “I want the input from the community.”
To vote on the new car design, people can go to cabq.gov and fill out a survey. On the site there are pictures of the proposed car design and the current model. The Mayor will make his decision on the new design within the next few months.
The current car design has been in place since 1994 when the police department changed its fleet’s color scheme from blue and white. The prototype, which arrived in Albuquerque last week, is Dodge Charger. Currently APD’s fleet is comprised of mostly Ford Crown Victorias. Regardless of the color design, the fleet will start to transition to Dodge Chargers next year. In August, Ford discontinued the Crown Victorias and replaced it with a different model. At the same time, Chevrolet and Dodge started manufacturing police cruiser as well. The city has decided that all new car purchases will be Dodge Chargers..
The current red, white and blue cars will remain in the fleet until they are eventually phased out over time by the black and white cars. Currently the prototype is being tested by a group of officers assigned to APD’s Field Services Bureau.
“We want this car to be something that the officers and the community are proud of,” Chief Schultz said. “The police car is a symbol of the community.”
