“I want the perception to be that every time you turn around, there’s a black-and-white,” he said. “We want people to have one of two reactions: ‘Oh, thank God, a patrol car is here,’ or ‘Oh my God, a patrol car is here.’ “

So says Sacramento Sheriff John McGinness in today’s Bee.

The Sheriff’s Department, who patrols the unincorporated areas of Sacramento (including, as the Bee points out, Rancho Cordova), are changing their colours. These cops are going retro – recalling the great law enforcement strategies of the 1920s:

Schuler said the zebra color scheme first appeared in the United States in the 1920s, when nearly all cars were black. Officers painted the doors white to set them apart, launching a national trend.

Apparently, such a colour scheme will give the perception that there are more police officers in the streets.  I wonder if there is any data that would corroborate a relationship between having black and white police cars and a decrease in crime.  Of course, the other benefit of the black-and-white police car is…

Whether or not the new cars beef up apparent police presence, the newly elected leader likes the look.

“I think it’s a better visual image,” McGinness said.

I’m not sure everyone would agree, Sheriff McGinness. Quote Brother Michael:

Don’t tell me you agree with me
When I saw you kicking dirt in my eye

But, if you’re thinkin’ about my baby
It don’t matter if you’re black or white

Indeed, King of Pop, indeed.  Yeah, yeah, yeah.