Ore. Sheriff Turns to Black & White Patrol Cars

The Deschutes County (Ore.) Sheriff’s Office (DSCO) traded in its white-and-green look for a classic black-and-white design when it added three 2018 Dodge Chargers to its patrol fleet. The agency also plans to add Dodge Ram trucks and Dodge Durango SUVs over the next year, all sporting the black-and-white design.

In a release, DSCO chose black and white because it is easily identifiable and recognizable to the public as a law enforcement vehicle. Sgt. William Bailey told Government Fleet that this design change will be applied to all new vehicle purchases, and new vehicles will continue to be cycled in as older vehicles reach the end of their service life.

“It’s important to me the citizens we work for can easily recognize their Sheriff’s Office.  When you see these black and white patrol cars, you will know it’s one of the hard working and dedicated deputies with your Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff L. Shane Nelson said in a statement. 

The sheriff’s fleet is changing on the inside, too. Traditionally, DSCO has used two- and four-wheel-drive vehicles. Beginning this year, all new vehicles put into service will be all- or four-wheel-drive-capable. According to a statement, this change will especially aid DSCO in its patrol during winter months.

Related: Calif. Sheriff Transitions Back to Black and White Vehicles