Colour Me Confused

Whats in a colour?

Some colours make us feel warm and fuzzy while others leave us feeling stark and cold.

Waterloo Regional Police force recently introduced a paint job for all its cruisers:

Police cruisers are also getting a new look. Traditionally, cruisers have been plain white with red and blue stripes. The new cruisers are two-toned in blue and white -- something (Chief) Thomlison said will make them more visible.

The problem with the new paint job is simple:

Two toned police cars work great as authoritative highway intercerptors, but do little to improve the community policing the force is trying to build.

The OPP gets away with this, as they police cold, stale, and (sometimes) dangerous highways. Authoritative colours work well in this case as immediate compliance is the message. It also helps when your force's traditional colours are black and white.

Community policing requires a different approach, a more subtle blend of law enforcemetion with crime prevention. Trying to perform copycat marketing with the OPP is likely to fail.

Colours play a larger role in our decision making than we like to believe. After all it's all part of the story and lens we view society through. Making sure the colours you choose integrate well with your message, is a great way to build a strong brand. Copycat marketing is not.