Sheriff Cars Back to Black and White

The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department is going old school and slowly returning its fleet of cars to the familiar black and white design so the public can more readily identify the vehicles as law enforcement.

Presently, the fleet of 80 Sheriff’s Department Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors are white. The department recently completed a study examining the feasibility of converting the fleet to black and white through the use of decals.

The first few black and whites have hit the streets. According to a sheriff’s department release, the fleet will be changed to the new color scheme as the cars are replaced or need repair.

Several other sheriff’s offices around California use the black and white vehicle, including in Napa, Sacramento and Ventura counties.

“The new paint scheme will increase the visibility of our patrol units and bring us more in line with other law enforcement agencies throughout the county,” said Sheriff David O. Livingston. “It will also more clearly identify the vehicle as representing the Office of the Sheriff.”

The approved design includes a seven-point sheriff’s star and the words “Sheriff” and “Contra Costa County” on the side. The words will be in black lettering and outlined in gold. The deck lid (trunk) will have the word “Sheriff” on it.

 The transition is expected to take several years.