Lombard unveiling new all-black squad car design

The Lombard Police Department has unveiled a new, all-black squad car design for its fleet of 18 vehicles.

Beginning this month, new Lombard squad cars will feature the all-black design, replacing one that included custom-painted white vehicle doors.

The department's 18-vehicle fleet is replaced every five years, or when necessary due to high mileage or maintenance issues. The new design will be implemented as old squads are retired, with the timeline for complete vehicle replacement anticipated for 2021.

The police dog vehicle was the first to receive the design upgrade, with five others scheduled for replacement by the end of 2018, one in 2019, three in 2020, five in 2021, and the final three depending on amount of service use.

The cost associated with painting the squad vehicle doors white was an additional $700 per vehicle. The new, all-black design will save the village $12,600 over five years.

Additionally, the resale value of an all-black squad car is higher than that of a black car with white doors, and is estimated to gain $1,000 of added resale value per retired squad car, for a total savings of $30,600 every five years.

The all-black squads will include a large, highly reflective decal on the sides of the vehicles that identify them as Lombard police. The decals are produced in house by public works, resulting in additional cost savings.

The improvements are in line with the village's ongoing commitment to maximize financial efficiency while providing residents with core services.

For more information, visit www.villageoflombard.org.