HomeMy WebLinkAboutFS 2009-06-16 Item 2B - Discusion - Black and White Patrol CarsTO:
City of Tukwila
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
Mayor Haggerton
Finance Safety Committee
FROM: Mike Villa, Assistant Chief of Police
DATE: June 5, 2009
SUBJECT: Black and White Patrol Cars
ISSUE
The issue is the need for funding to retro -paint the police patrol vehicles with a new
black and white configuration.
BACKGROUND
Jim Haggerton, Mayor
There are a growing number of police agencies, on both a local and national level, that
are changing the color of their patrol cars to a traditional black and white configuration.
The distinctive color scheme increases police visibility (a 2009/2010 budget goal) and
enhances deterrence —both important components to public safety.
DISCUSSION
There are numerous reasons to transition our patrol vehicles to the traditional black and
white scheme.
Police patrol vehicles will be more visible to the public. Traditionally, this color
scheme was exclusive to police vehicles and was easily recognizable as a law
enforcement vehicle.
With the transition of our patrol vehicles to black and white we will be joining
nearly every other valley police agency in promoting the perception that there are
more police vehicles on the streets due to the similar look. This benefits the
entire region in addition to our citizenry.
The distinctive look of the black and white paint scheme clearly conveys police
presence, provides a sense of security for citizen, and acts as a visible deterrent
to criminal activity.
For the reasons mentioned above, we want to be a progressive partner in this regional
change, ultimately benefiting the public at large.
The department is proposing that we retro -paint the existing patrol fleet in order to
implement the new color scheme. A phased in approach (no retro painting), with no
new vehicles in 2009, would take up to five years. Additionally, we would have a fleet
with two significantly different color schemes.
It will cost no more than $50,000 to retro -paint the existing patrol fleet. These funds
would cover all labor and materials to paint, provide graphics, and repair some minor
body damage for all 16 vehicles. The front line patrol fleet includes 12 patrol vehicles, 2
sergeant's vehicles, and 2 K9 vehicles.
RECOMMENDATION
There are no funds allocated in the police department budget for this request. Because
of the number of incidents patrol responds to, arrests that are made, and activities that
have a direct correlation to illegal drug use I propose this project be funded by monies
from the drug asset forfeiture accounts. There are sufficient funds in that account for
this purpose.
The Council is being asked to consider the expenditure of $50,000 from the drug
seizure account to retro -paint the existing fleet at the June 22, 2009 Committee of the
Whole meeting and subsequent July 6, 2009 Regular Meeting.
W'12009 InfoMemos\Black and Whites.doc