Wow! Look at this, kids!
Posted on 04/19/2002 4:35:50 AM PDT by 2Trievers
HILLSBORO -- The city's police want to be perceived as "cops who work with kids."
To make the youth services officers less threatening and more approachable, police leaders reason, the department should put them on wheels with a youthful feel.
So why did police choose the Chrysler PT Cruiser, a ride whose typical buyer is a 40- to 55-year-old woman?
Based on the reaction from students at Glencoe High School, the retro look of the PT Cruiser is much more than "so five minutes ago." "Horrible," "ugly" and an "embarrassment" are a few of the choice words they used to describe the PT Cruisers.
"If it's a little kid, maybe they'd be impressed," said Brian Van Hoy, a 16-year-old junior.
But the City Council members, whose average age is nearly 51, unanimously approved the purchase Tuesday.
The idea comes from Police Chief Ron Louie's staff, which he encourages to think outside the boxy patrol car. In recent years, the department has bought a golf cart nicknamed "Piglet" to patrol apartment complexes and strip malls, retrofitted an armored car nicknamed "The Boar" for the special weapons team and bought a 34-foot motor home to use as a rolling office.
Louie doesn't know whether teen-agers will be impressed by the PT Cruisers. "We didn't go out and take a survey," he said. "But I'm pretty sure the sixth-graders will think it's cool."
Louie says he wants children to get a view of police other than the TV image of a traditional patrol car that chases bad guys.
Sales personnel describe the PT Cruiser as a "look" car: Either you love it or hate it. The typical buyer at Beaverton Chrysler is a 40- to 55-year-old woman, says Brad Hickman, general sales manager.
If police really wanted to ride what teen-agers found cool, they would buy Japanese imports, the Glencoe students say. Van Hoy's ride is a Subaru 2.5 RS sedan. Other popular cars include Acuras, Honda Civics, Volkswagen Jettas and Mitsubishi Eclipses.
The PT Cruiser doesn't make the list.
"I don't think so," said Mark Lewan, a Glencoe junior. "It looks too weird." You can reach David R. Anderson at 503-221-4388 or by e-mail at davidanderson@news.oregonian.com.
"We need reminders like this to see how insane we've become. &;-)"
We are paying way to much in taxes!
Most high school students are morons, too.
That is good for the men, good for the horses and the bad guys can follow along behind with a bucket and shovel.
Wonder how long before he tries putting gumballs and a siren on a Segway?
Just can't get no respect!
"I got too much..time on my hands"
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.