Pinecrest police cars have a new look

Police Chief John Hohensee said he was advised that there is a Florida statute that reserves the colors of white and green for the state's county sheriff's vehicles.

"And, of course, Miami-Dade cruisers are predominately green and white," said Hohensee. "We received notice that we may be in violation of the statute."

So, Hohensee said he moved to find a new color for the Pinecrest squad cars and, after much discussion, decided on a 'cypress green metallic' color with reflective 3M stripes of green and gold.

Eight new cars were painted as the department took possession of them. Ten older units that the department plans to keep will be cycled through the paint shop until all carry the new colors and graphics. The total cost for the changeover, with striping and graphics, is between $10,000 and $12,000.

"We would have incurred a portion of that cost regardless of the color change," said Hohensee. "We would have had to paint, stripe and put the decals and graphics on the new cars anyhow."

Hohensee said making the color change decision was something of a dilemma for him.

"It was an interesting experience trying to get something that would flow nicely, look sharp, presentable and professional, yet still achieve the objective of making it a very distinctive vehicle that will very quickly become known as a police car," he said. "The other aspect is the safety factor. When you put reflective graphics on a car, the concept is that they reflect headlights in the night to provide some safety and protection for the officers."

Hohensee said his officers seemed pleased with the cruisers' new color.

"I think, for the most part, my officers like it (the colors)," said Hohensee. "During the recent Village anniversary celebration, I led the parade in one of the new cars and I heard quite a few comments that said we have a sharp looking car."

Hohensee's personal assessment of the new color scheme?

"Absolutely gorgeous," he said with a smile. "Of course, that is subject to personal interpretation."