The Sheridan, Wyoming, Police Department, debuted its rebranded patrol vehicles for officers. The new vehicles, Dodge Durangos, were changed from white to black with modernized markings, The Sheridan Press reported.

Fleet Replacement Plan

The change comes as the vehicles in the department's fleet reach the end of their lifecycles. Sheridan PD's fleet replacement plan dictates that the vehicles be replaced after eight years or upon reaching 80,000 miles, whichever comes first. Police Capt. Tom Ringley explained that while the mileage may not seem high, the department takes into account the hours the vehicles have spent idling, especially in cold weather.

Ringley said community feedback indicated the previous decals on the vehicles made them look dated, so the department rebranded to updated decals. The black vehicles are also easier to see in wintry weather, he explained.

In a December Facebook post announcing the rebranded patrol vehicles, Sheridan Police said three vehicles with the new look were rolled out, with three more being upfitted. The vehicles with the old design will be phased out as they reach the end of their lifecycles.

Sedans to SUVs

The department is switching from Dodge Chargers to Dodge Durangos because of the four-wheel drive and ground clearance capabilities, as well as increased storage space.

The seats were tweaked a little bit to allow for officers to fit better with their duty belts and body armor as well, Ringley told The Sheridan Press.s