A new look proposed for Wilmington’s police fleet has made a bad impression on some city council members.
Councilwoman Laura Padgett on Monday called the recommended black-and-white scheme “intimidating” and out of spirit for the city.
“Did we approve [the design]? Each of us got to look at it but there was no discussion,” Padgett said at a council review meeting this morning.
Wilmington Police Chief Ralph Evangelous unveiled the new look–a fairly dramatic change from the all-white coat detailed with blue and gold–after a review meeting earlier this year. City Manager Sterling Cheatham on Monday said he hoped to hear critiques from council members, but heard none–until this morning, just ahead of a possible $500,000 expense for 22 new Dodge Chargers carrying the design.
They would replace an equal number of miled-out cruisers in the greater police fleet.
After Councilwoman Margaret Haynes said she, too, didn’t care for the new look, Padgett asserted it should have gone to the council for discussion and approval.
She said police cars and their appearance should be appealing and “indicative of the city.”
The matter may receive more discussion at council’s Tuesday night meeting, the agenda for which proposes the new cars’ purchase from Ilderton Conversion Company of High Point.
Evangelous said the proposed new design reflects what his officers want. Roughly 70 percent of the force supported the concept when discussed, he said.
And it found favor with at least one member of council Monday.
“I rather like it,” Councilman Charlie Rivenbark said. “Looks like a police car.”
Council’s Tuesday night meeting will begin at 6:30 in Wilmington City Hall, 102 N. Third St.
Ben Brown is a news reporter at Port City Daily. Reach him at [email protected] or (910) 772-6335. On Twitter: @benbrownmedia
