CPD gets new rides

The Chico Police Department has introduced the first of what will become its new standard patrol car, a black-and-white Chevy Caprice sporting a picture of the Bidwell Mansion (pictured with CPD Officer Todd Lefkowitz).

The change was prompted by the fact that Ford stopped producing the Crown Victoria—a favorite cruiser among Chico and other departments—in 2011. As these older, all-white vehicles reach the end of their service at around 100,000 miles, they will be replaced with the newer Chevrolet models. CPD will receive five new Caprices and two Chevy Tahoes in the next few weeks, with all the older cars phased out within three to four years.

According to a CPD press release, the color change is cost-neutral and makes the cars more recognizable, which the departments says will provide a “stronger police presence.”