PRESS RELEASE
Police Ask Aspen Students to Design New Patrol Car
Contacts:
Jami McMannes, Communications Manager, City of Aspen, 970-765-4752, jami.mcmannes@cityofaspen.com
Richard Pryor, Chief of Police, Aspen Police Department, 970-920-5400, richard.pryor@aspen.gov
Aspen, Colo. – November 18, 2021 – The Aspen Police Department is asking students within the Aspen School District to help design the newest addition to their fleet: a Tesla Model Y. The patrol car will be used by the Youth Services Officer, a position that primarily serves as a school resources officer by offering support to the schools in the Aspen School District and looking out for the safety of the children in the community.
The design contest invites students to submit hand-drawn artwork that illustrates why they think the Aspen Police Department is uniquely important to them, their school, and the Aspen community. The contest is open to all grade levels. Winners will receive funding to be used towards a learning opportunity such as continuing education or an after-school program. An individual is eligible for a $500 scholarship, or a team is eligible for a $1,000 scholarship to be split between team members. The deadline for entries is November 30, 2021.
“The Police Department is fortunate to be able to support students within the Aspen School District,” said Richard Pryor, Chief of Police with the Aspen Police Department. “Along with the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, we are always looking for ways to engage with the student community a little differently. This competition will help us see how we are perceived and how we can connect better. It is exciting to think that students will be able to leave their legacy on the ever-evolving history of Aspen Police cars.”
The winning artwork that is selected by the Aspen Police Department will be used to inspire the creative used on the wrap for a Tesla Model Y patrol car. The Tesla Model Y is a fully electric, mid-size SUV. The Aspen Police Department is taking big strides to electrify its current patrol fleet in alignment with Aspen City Council's goals to address climate change. The Youth Services Officer patrol car will be one of five electric vehicles that will be added to the Aspen Police Department fleet in 2022.
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