On June 4, 1974 the Minneapolis StarTribune published this photograph of the department’s first all-white squad car.
The newspaper reported that all of the older black-and-white models were expected to be replaced by the new all-white models by the end of 1975.
“We are trying to get away from the hard black-and-white image”, said Bernard Goodrie, Deputy Chief of Patrol. Goodrie shared with the Minneapolis StarTribune that these additional benefits were expected as a result of the change:
-Greater safety because the cars will be more visible;
-More energy efficiency because the white surface will absorb less heat and cars will need less gasoline to cool the interior;
-Cost savings because the cars will not need to be repainted for resale.
Photograph courtesy of Minneapolis StarTribune