WEEKEND MEMOS

'Weekend memos' give our editorial writers a chance to express their own opinions, comment on topics they have been writing about, or take a lighter approach. The opinions in 'Memos' do not always follow the Enquirer's editorial positions.

It is a fact of life that any prominent empty space can be a potential vehicle for advertising - from logos on athletes' uniforms to banners on Web pages to Pizza Hut's high-flying sponsorship of a Russian rocket. So it's no surprise that one firm is trying to place ads - or "sponsor recognition" - on some of the most visible objects in any community: police cars.

Government Acquisitions Inc. of Charlotte, N.C., is contracting with more than 400 cities and towns nationwide to put ads on their vehicles, although none are on the street yet. The communities would get new, fully equipped vehicles for $1 each. No alcohol, firearms, gambling, tobacco or "other inappropriate sponsor themes" are allowed.

In tough times, the offer could be a godsend. "I have a fleet that's going to wear out, and there's no money in the budget to buy new cars ... so I'm willing to listen to anything," Chardon, Ohio Police Chief David Hyslop told the Associated Press.

Chardon is among 13 Ohio communities interested in the plan, but state Attorney General Jim Petro said it would be illegal - and potentially dangerous, as police cars need to be clearly identifiable. Chief Wayne T. Glass Jr. of Botkins countered that there are no state rules on how police cars are decorated other than that the word "POLICE" must be written on each side. Besides, the prototype cars that are depicted on the firm's (Web site) show a subdued, tasteful use of corporate names and graphics.

It's hard to blame the locals. A state that's cutting local government funds after a decade's mismanagement of its own budget has little business telling towns they can't seek alternatives. With proper standards, ads could work - and might even freshen cops' community image. A Dunkin' Donuts logo, for example, might not seem out of place on a cruiser.

The appearance of favoritism or conflicts concerns some officials. A West Virginia panel declared last week that two towns' plans to get ad-laden SUVs for their police violated state ethics laws because it could be seen as using public office for private gain. What, free donuts for officers?

Still, Petro warned a town could be sued for the ads. If so, a good lawyer's name and number might be no farther away than a passing bus or taxi.

Ray Cooklis