The Leelanau County Sheriff's Office is changing the look of their patrol vehicles!  We are the first agency in the region to introduce a "retro" color combination of black & white for the patrol vehicles.  The new look is cleaner and more authoritarian than the white Sheriff cars that were standardized throughout the state in the 1970's.  Studies have concluded that "black & whites" are more highly visible.  They are uniform and recognized throughout the United States as law enforcement vehicles.  Patrol cars are replaced at about 145,000 miles or every 4-6 years. 

Leelanau County Deputies practice a "Take Home Car" concept.  Deputies are briefed daily via computer and a dedicated phone line prior to the start of their shift.  They begin and end their shift from their home.  This eliminates all patrol vehicles located at the office during shift change and assures residents of better coverage throughout the county.  Deputies are also instantly available from home should an emergency arise that requires an immediate response (on or off duty).  Patrol vehicles parked (home) throughout the entire county are also a deterrent to crime.  There are cost savings associated with this program in addition to agency operational advantages.