We’ve seen a rash of police department vehicles changing colors in recent times. Traditionally law enforcement vehicles have been painted blue, to at least some degree. Black seems to be the predominant color of choice when the new painting begins. Why is this?
Color has the ability to promote calmness, anger, the feeling of well-being or even the feeling of health and wealth, depending on which color it is. Make no mistake about it, colors evoke emotion. There is no question that a governmental agency, comprised of knowledgeable individuals and having resources available to study these changes, would absolutely be able to identify which colors can be used to bring communities together…or tear them apart. Consider:
Blue, the traditional color of police vehicles, is, as described by “about.com“:
“A universal favorite of men and women and businesses, blue is friendly, peaceful, and trustworthy.” This is the reason many large corporations, use the color blue.
Blue is an excellent choice for police departments who want the community to look upon them in the previously described manor — friendly and trustworthy. Presidents will often be found in blue suits for the same reasons.
Black, the current trend in police vehicle color, is defined as being associated with:
“power, fear, authority, death, evil, aggression, and rebellion.” This color is most often used when one wants to represent “secrecy, evil spirits or demons.”
Knowing this, one must ask the obvious question — “Are the police intentionally provoking the recent angst, violence and resentment against them by changing the color of their newly painted vehicles? Are they sending a subtle message that they are all-powerful and that they aren’t to be messed with? Is there a subtle message being sent to the communities with this type of police force?
THE P.B.L. TAKE:
We don’t need to elaborate too much on this. You can probably figure it out on your own.
Good luck, and stay safe!