Appleton Police Launch New Squad Car Design

The department is replacing its black-and-white fleet with white cars bearing a redesigned wrap, starting with 11 of its 41 marked vehicles in 2026.

Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Appleton Police Launch New Squad Car Design

The Appleton Police Department has introduced a new design for its squad cars, with 11 of its 41 marked vehicles replaced with the new look in 2026. The remaining cars will be updated when replaced over the next few years, at no additional cost.

Why it matters

The redesign was adopted to reduce wear on the older vinyl wrap, which was prone to dings, scuffs and scratches from door contact and duty belts. Switching to white cars with the new wrap is intended to keep the vehicles looking better for longer in Appleton.

The Appleton Police Department has replaced 11 of its 41 marked squad cars with the new design in 2026, leaving 30 vehicles still in the older black-and-white wrap. The department has not specified a schedule for replacing the remaining vehicles beyond saying it will occur over the next few years.

The players

Appleton Police Department

The municipal law enforcement agency serving the city of Appleton, responsible for policing and public safety in the community.

The details

The older black squad cars carried a white vinyl wrap reading 'APPLETON POLICE' and 'COMPASSION * INTEGRITY * COURAGE.' The new white cars feature 'POLICE' in larger letters and a 'CITY OF APPLETON' banner, and both designs include the department's badge. Older vehicles will not have their decals removed; they will be changed to the new design when replaced.

2026: Eleven marked squad cars were replaced with the new design.
Next few years: The remaining marked squad cars are expected to be replaced with the new design.

Legal Context

The Appleton redesign reflects a practical response to fleet wear rather than a change in policing policy, and it follows a common municipal pattern of updating vehicle branding during routine fleet replacement cycles. The shift from black to white patrol vehicles is a fleet-maintenance decision rather than a legal or procedural one.

Residents will see a mix of older black-and-white squad cars and newer white cars with the updated wrap on Appleton streets over the coming years. The change does not add cost to taxpayers, according to the department.

The takeaway

Fleet branding updates can be an efficient way for agencies to refresh their public image while managing maintenance and cost. Appleton's approach shows how practical wear concerns can shape visible design choices.