COLERAIN TOWNSHIP — Design changes in three of the township's seven police cars have officers here cruising with a whole new look.

        “It's a more modern, progressive appearance,” said Officer Chris Phillips, who was first up to take a car out this week.

Showing off Colerain's new cruiser look is Officer Chris Phillips (right). At left is Sgt. Mark Unger with the model being phased out. (Michael E. Keating photo) | ZOOM |

        The three 2002 Ford Crown Victorias were scheduled for their traditional detailing when the department's new police chief, Steven J. Sarver, asked the officers a simple question: “Do you like the way the cars look?”

        “They said, "NO,'” the chief said. So he placed the design decision in their hands.

        “The overwhelming majority of the officers selected this design and there's kind of a new sense of pride from the officers in that we had a part in it,” Officer Phillips said.

        Their choice was: a white exterior base, with blue lettering and the township seal along the length of the vehicle. The department's four other cars have a blue trunk and hood with a white roof and doors.

        “They look like taxi cabs,” said the chief, adding that some officers noted that their cars had sometimes been confused with those belonging to a local taxi company.

        The old exterior will be phased out over three years , when a rotation to new vehicles takes place, he said. Costs before detailing, he said, run about $21,000 per vehicle, with $5,000 more for special equipment. It was going to cost another $500 for the regular detailing.

        “This was less than $500 ... we saved money,” the chief said.
       

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