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Police's PT Cruisers a flop with youths
The Oregonian ^ | Apr 19 2002 | DAVID R. ANDERSON

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.



TOPICS: Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: police; policecars; ptcruiser
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We need reminders like this to see how insane we've become. &;-)
1 posted on 04/19/2002 4:35:51 AM PDT by 2Trievers
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To: 2Trievers
In my neck of the woods, it would be a Passat.
2 posted on 04/19/2002 4:38:09 AM PDT by 2Trievers
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To: 2Trievers
If you're going to do an experiment like this, try buying a used Rambler. It's a lot cheaper.
3 posted on 04/19/2002 4:45:38 AM PDT by Excuse_My_Bellicosity
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To: 2Trievers
Up here in Seattle, only a Volvo will do:>)
4 posted on 04/19/2002 4:48:26 AM PDT by irishtenor
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To: 2Trievers

Wow! Look at this, kids!

Forget it, pops.


5 posted on 04/19/2002 5:10:51 AM PDT by RippleFire
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To: 2Trievers
Here every girl wants a volkswagon bug, every guy wants a 4x4...
6 posted on 04/19/2002 5:29:43 AM PDT by DouglasKC
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To: 2Trievers
"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."

"We need reminders like this to see how insane we've become. &;-)"

We are paying way to much in taxes!

7 posted on 04/19/2002 5:53:55 AM PDT by Inge_CAV
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To: Inge_CAV
EXACTLY!
8 posted on 04/19/2002 5:56:38 AM PDT by 2Trievers
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To: 2Trievers
What I want to know is why in the HELL are they trying to impress the teenagers? Cops will impress kids by positive personal contact and the expectation of respect for authority, not by showing up in a supposedly 'cool' car!
9 posted on 04/19/2002 5:57:03 AM PDT by SuziQ
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To: 2Trievers
If police really wanted to ride what teen-agers found cool, they would buy Japanese imports, the Glencoe students say.

Most high school students are morons, too.


10 posted on 04/19/2002 5:57:37 AM PDT by uglybiker
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To: RippleFire; All
My suggestion for an impression ...


11 posted on 04/19/2002 6:04:21 AM PDT by 2Trievers
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To: 2Trievers
If Police Chief Ron Louie wants to make a positive impression, he should put some of his men on horseback.

That is good for the men, good for the horses and the bad guys can follow along behind with a bucket and shovel.

12 posted on 04/19/2002 6:13:52 AM PDT by Inge_CAV
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To: uglybiker
Good one, UB! &;-)


13 posted on 04/19/2002 6:15:27 AM PDT by 2Trievers
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To: 2Trievers
bought a golf cart nicknamed "Piglet" to patrol apartment complexes and strip malls,

Wonder how long before he tries putting gumballs and a siren on a Segway?

14 posted on 04/19/2002 6:15:34 AM PDT by tacticalogic
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To: Inge_CAV
A NOBLE idea ... a NOBLE steed! I LOVE IT! &;-)
15 posted on 04/19/2002 6:17:29 AM PDT by 2Trievers
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To: 2Trievers
An officer on horseback gets respect. : )
16 posted on 04/19/2002 6:24:50 AM PDT by Inge_CAV
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To: Inge_CAV
Oh ... you said horseback ... my bad!


17 posted on 04/19/2002 6:29:32 AM PDT by 2Trievers
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To: 2Trievers
An officer on a camel would be an officer in a PT cruiser

Just can't get no respect!

18 posted on 04/19/2002 6:33:08 AM PDT by Inge_CAV
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To: 2Trievers
In the words of Styx - dedicated to the city council.

"I got too much..time on my hands"

19 posted on 04/19/2002 6:37:43 AM PDT by Dan from Michigan
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To: Dan from Michigan
That, plus too much TAX PAYER $$$ to spend! &;-)
20 posted on 04/19/2002 6:48:33 AM PDT by 2Trievers
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