Prospect Heights police choose new squad car look
Prospect Heights Police Department personnel have chosen their new squad car design and a prototype is expected within the next two weeks.
The department's vote favored a design that features a slightly diagonal stripe along the sides.
Either of the proposed styles would have met Police Chief Jim Zawlocki's minimum criteria: distinguishing the department's fleet from that of nearby Buffalo Grove, whose patrol cars bear a strong resemblance to Prospect Heights' vehicles.
One of the reasons Zawlocki wants to see a prototype soon is to ensure the color scheme reflects the intended shade of gold rather than something closer to yellow.
The squad cars will remain primarily white, but also include black and gold elements, including a gold star on the doors. The words "To Protect and Serve" will appear on the front fender, with the department's patch on the rear.
At least two cars with the new design are expected to be operating within the next several weeks, though it will take between two and three years before the entire fleet is uniform.
The change is intended to be cost-neutral and phased in gradually as aging vehicles are retired at the normal rate, Zawlocki said.