New York City Police Department Shifts Slogan to "Fighting Crime, Protecting the Public"
Changes Afoot for the NYPD’s Patrol Cars
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is revamping its exterior branding, moving away from the long-standing "Courtesy, Professionalism, Respect" (CPR) motto that was introduced in the 1990s to improve community relations. The new slogan is set to adorn the rear windows of approximately 10,000 patrol cars.
The Shift to "Fighting Crime, Protecting the Public"
As part of its fleet updates, the department will outfit its new patrol vehicles with a decal featuring the new slogan "Fighting Crime, Protecting the Public." While the exact reasons behind the change are unclear, a police spokesperson mentioned that the old motto will be phased out as the vehicle fleet is updated.
A Look Back at "Courtesy, Professionalism, Respect"
The "CPR" slogan was first introduced in 1996, as part of a public relations and training campaign launched under the administration of Mayor Rudy Giuliani. The effort aimed to showcase a friendlier, less hostile police force, with posters like "Everybody in New York; Black, White, Yellow or Blue Could Use a Little C.P.R." While the campaign received some praise, it was also subject to criticism and mockery, particularly in the wake of a notorious incident where a white NYPD officer was charged with sodomizing a Black man, Abner Louima.
The Evolution of NYPD Branding
The department is also updating its classic blue-and-white cruisers, replacing them with newer vehicles featuring the green-and-white striped NYPD flag and a QR code that allows for performance ratings to be sent to the department. Some of these new cars also sport a different decal, "Protecting NYC since 1845," which was introduced by the previous NYPD commissioner.
Additional Highlights
- The department has a separate official motto, "Fidelis Ad Mortem," which translates to "Faithful Unto Death" in Latin.
- The new slogan is set to cover the rear windows of around 10,000 patrol cars.
- The old "CPR" motto will be phased out as the vehicle fleet is updated.
FAQs
Q: Why is the NYPD changing its exterior branding?
A: The exact reasons are unclear, but the department is phasing out the old "CPR" slogan as part of its vehicle fleet updates.
Q: What is the new slogan on the NYPD’s patrol cars?
A: "Fighting Crime, Protecting the Public"
Q: What is the history of the "Courtesy, Professionalism, Respect" slogan?
A: It was introduced in the 1990s as part of a public relations and training campaign launched by Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
