By Suzie Ziegler
BEND, Ore. — The Bend Police Department announced in a Facebook post Wednesday that it will be removing all thin blue line decals from its patrol cars due to the symbol’s controversy.
“Our patrol vehicles are currently getting a makeover by removing the blue line graphic on them,” the agency wrote in the post.
The department acknowledged that although the “thin blue line” has meant different things over the years, it has come to be perceived as divisive by some.
“Use of the thin blue line symbol,” the agency wrote, “has unintentionally created an ongoing divide between some members of our community and the police officers who serve them.”
“In the spirit of mending divide, being inclusive with the community we serve, and to continue to build trust within our entire community, our current and future vehicle graphics package will no longer contain a blue line.”
Moving forward, the agency said it will be looking for a new design that still honors first responders.
Next: 3 things to consider before you raise a Blue Line flag