LFP - Large-Format-Printing
LAW and ORDER Magazine Recognizes Outstanding Police Vehicle Graphics Design
Monday 11. August 2008 - When fractions of a second could mean life or death for officers or citizens, it is imperative that police vehicles are immediately and clearly distinguished as emergency vehicles as they approach and pass other vehicles at dangerously high speeds.
While the appearance of police vehicles takes into consideration public perception and aesthetics, above all, it is about safety and identification. Agencies’ designs have also begun incorporating state, county and regional symbols, mission statements and mottos to represent the communities they serve. Color schemes, as well as makes and models of police vehicles are changing to reflect the future of law enforcement. The traditional black-and-white color scheme is being replaced with solid, bolder, brighter colors. The Dodge Charger is fast becoming the vehicle of choice for some departments across the country.
Today, LAW and ORDER Magazine is pleased to announce the winners of the 2008 International Police Vehicle Design Contest.
The annual contest was started more than 20 years ago, but in 2004, LAW and ORDER Magazine took the redevelopment of vehicle design to a new level with the introduction of marking guidelines. The guidelines tried to turn a fairly subjective method for marking and identifying police vehicles into a standardized system.
This year’s contest was judged by three law enforcement professionals who are in various public safety positions. Deputy Chief Mack Sanders of the Markham, IL Police Department; Vicky Matyas-Smith, executive director for the Southwest Conference of Mayors; and Dan Roudebush, deputy sheriff of the Clinton County, IN Sheriff’s Office.
The 2008 Police Vehicle Design Contest judging was based on the integrity of the designs submitted to the competition, as well as how each design met the criteria as outlined in the contest guidelines. The 2008 Vehicle Design judges focused on the safety of the officer driving and the ability to identify it as a law enforcement vehicle. The judges looked for departmental symbols, names in easy-to-read lettering, a badge, shield or community seal, emergency phone numbers and Web sites. For visibility, the judges looked for reflective tape, chevron, and decals.
This year’s Grand Prize went to the Pendleton Police Department in Pendleton, IN. The Pendleton Police used the black-and-white color combo to reflect the true origin of squad cars but gave it a modern flair by mimicking the new Dodge Super Bee sticker package. The agency chose the flat black over reflective for a more stealth look at night. A subtle silver reflective stripe outlines the black. The rear quarter panel features an image of the town’s waterfall.
The Judges said, “We like the hood and the very unique design. The black quarter panel flows well with the spoiler. The car is easily identifiable as police, but not overly done. It looks like ‘pure aggressiveness.’ This Charger is nostalgic, yet hip — the complete package.”
This year’s People’s Choice Award, which was decided by an online voting system from all of the entries received, went to the Pitt Community College Police Department in Greenville, NC. While most of North Carolina’s 58 community colleges employ security officers, Pitt Community College in Greenville is one of a select few to feature its own police department. As such, PCC law enforcement vehicles prominently display the word “POLICE” to signify that officers on campus are police, not security. The letters spelling out “POLICE” are printed in the school’s official color, reflex blue, and can be easily read from a distance. Black striping and black trim around the “POLICE” graphic add to the vehicles’ commanding look.
Ed Sanow, Editorial Director of LAW and ORDER Magazine, said, “The Jeep Liberty used by the Pitt Community College Police has a very clean design. The slicktop vehicle doesn’t shout POLICE. Yet on the nation’s campuses, often patrolled by security officers, it is clearly marked as a POLICE vehicle. This distinction is a big deal for campuses patrol by police. The addition of the school’s logo and the use of the school’s colors all add to the professional appearance. The overall effect is low-key police presence, an advantage on most campuses, until a high police presence is needed. Of the nearly 6,000 online votes, this is the People’s Choice!”