Advertising on cop cars

[/ dave /]

Red Wing considering advertising on squads
The Associated Press

Published Dec. 9, 2002

RED WING, Minn. - Squad cars splattered with NASCAR-style advertising 
could be coming to this small town on the state's eastern border.

Advertising on squad cars is an idea that many law enforcement officials 
nationwide have initially scorned. On second look, some cash-strapped 
police department then say it's an offer that's hard to pass up.

North Carolina-based Government Acquisitions is offering new public 
safety cars for $1 each in exchange for allowing advertisements on the 
vehicles.

"Is sponsorship appropriate?" asked Rick Rabenort, public safety 
director. "Do you want a squad car in the city of Red Wing driving 
around with sponsorship on it?"

He has placed the issue on Monday nights City Council agenda to help him 
decide whether to pursue the idea.

According to the Government Acquisitions' Internet site, the company was 
formed in response to President Bush's call for increased homeland 
security. The company promises vehicles and equipment to qualifying 
government agencies that can't otherwise afford it.

"Appropriate" sponsors contract with the company, which in turn sells 
the equipment to agencies for $1. Vehicles are sold back for $1 to 
Government Acquisitions after three years.

The company's policy is to prohibit advertising for tobacco, alcohol, 
firearms and gaming.

"We're not sure we want to take advantage of the program," said Roger 
Hand, Red Wing's special operations director. "It's an odd concept."

More than 50 municipalities have signed contracts for the cars, and 
hundreds of others are interested. There have been successes, and failures.

John Crone, chief of police in Mooresville, N.C., a city of 20,000 
located 30 miles north of Charlotte, wasn't crazy about the idea, but he 
signed up anyway.

With 42 auto racing teams in the area around Mooresville, the prospect 
of advertising on his squads seemed natural.

Crone, who is hoping for two dozen cars, hasn't seen one car delivered 
since he signed the contract in April. He was told that the corporation 
has yet to find a willing sponsor. He isn't too concerned.

"If we get the cars, we'll be happy," he said. "If we don't, no loss. We 
had nothing in the first place.

http://www.startribune.com/stories/468/3518877.html

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/  dave  /