Is Placing Ads on Police Cruisers and Fire Trucks a Good or Bad Idea?

Question

http://cbs4boston.com/local/local_story_318092318.html

(AP) SALEM, N.H.
Salem Selectman Ronald Belanger, a retired police officer, said "corporations like Wal-Mart already give money several times a year to the police and fire departments. So why not have them buy cruisers and put their names on them?" Belanger has proposed seeking sponsorship from businesses who would pay to have their names on the vehicles and other town property.

Selectman Arthur Barnes, a former fire chief, said after the meeting that if he still ran the fire department, he wouldn't want his trucks to feature company logos.

Kathy Cote, a member of the town budget committee, said "seeking sponsorships wouldn't make much of a dent in taxes." She also believes divisions between town government and businesses should remain intact.

"dkstringe...".....exactly.
NH MOTTO "Live Free Or Die"

"LeAnne" I strongly disagree with you, but you argue your point very well. Great answer.

Answer 1

It's a bad idea. Yet it makes a great point in alerting the public to a corporate structure that seems to be taking over every country it can gain access to. Perhaps Wal-mart is owned by the government & they just want it to look like a private enterprise? Things that make ya go hmmm! :o)

Answer 2

After reading a few of the answers, I'm really surprised to see the opposition to this is so strong.

I really don't feel it's all that out of line - the ads are already on buses, bill boards, taxi cabs, bus stops, store fronts, and so on.

And if it helps keeps my taxes down and provides extra funds for these critical services - why not?

I don't think the contention that the city or town is promoting or approving the businesses or services that place the ads is valid - the ads are bought and paid for and will certainly change from time to time.
One cruiser advertising WalMart - and, guaranteed, the one behind it will be advertising K-Mart - it's called competition.

I say we sell the ads ....... when the fire engine answers your call when your house catches fire, and you don't like the particular product displayed on his ad - would you tell him to leave and call for a different fire truck?
(Of course not - see how insignificant this policy would be?)

Answer 3

Bad idea. First of all it gives the appearance of favoritism. Would managers who directed money toward certain police departments be exempt from prosecution for committing a crime? Anytime you start mixing private interests with public, you have the very essence of corruption. Other than appearances or reality of being corrupt, it would make public agencies look very non-professional.

Answer 4

I wouldnt say it's bad, but i think it is pathetic. We should be able to support the American troops. (Even though they're not in the military they still fight for our freedom.) We should be able to support them without any outside help. The day that I have to see a policecar looking like some Chevy spinning circles in a NASCAR track is the day America has truely let us down.

Answer 5

Honey, when this happens, come get me and I will march with you.

This is insanity. Hopefully, just some old idiot.

LeAnne, I think you and I nearly always agree. The difference for me with this issue is that I don't believe in using government to further business interests any more than I want government to hamper them.

Answer 6

I can see it now....K Mart suing the local fire department because Wal-Mart sponsored the fire truck and they didn't show up quickly enough and K-Mart's thinks it's because Wal-Mart's their competitor...

All kidding aside, it's a bad idea.

Answer 7

Bad idea..let the corporations put thier name on police cars...then let the corporations make the laws comes later on

Answer 8

It is a terrible idea. It would send a message that the police were supporting the businesses on their cars, and it is simply not their place.

Answer 9

in case you're vacationing down a hectic city highway and you have not became off the line to make way for the emergency autos and you're tied up in the site visitors, no it relatively is not unlawful to persist with them. yet, in case you're in that exact same place and that they are working with the aid of site visitors lighting fixtures and at extreme speeds, specific that's prohibited, you're chasing them. in case you're out on the interstate or on a rural street and thy fly by utilising you and your interest instruments in, you pull out of site visitors and velocity as much as persist with them, specific, that's prohibited.

Answer 10

Great idea,it gives you something to read while you are face down on the hood.