NEWEST PATROL CAR `NOT YOUR ARVERAGE BLACK AND WHITE'

SIKESTON -- Drivers must get close to Sikeston's newest patrol car to read a small message on the back bumper: "Not your average black and white."

But anyone can see the truth in it.

The car isn't the typical four-door sedan favored by the nation's police. It's a 1994 Ford Mustang sport coupe with a black and white flame job, a bright silver badge and big red letters spelling DARE -- Drug Awareness and Resistance Education.

Department of Public Safety Chief Jim Leist unveiled the car to the press Thursday morning before taking it on its maiden voyage through the wind and rain. He said the new design was meant to attract youngsters' attention and possibly help with recruiting.

About 18 months ago Leist approached Dr. Robert Buchanan, superintendent of Sikeston public schools, about getting a more updated look for DARE. "We had an idea but no money for it," Leist said. "A lot of us have that problem."

The duo went to business leaders for help and got it. Lots of it.

Every piece of equipment on the car was donated, from the mag wheels to the radios. Carnell's Collision repair donated the $2,500 design and paint job, bearing in mind Leist's directive to make it "as wild as possible."

Sikeston Motor Co. sold the car for $12,000, a cost covered by city funds and school grant money.

Buchanan said the schools pay DARE Officer Shirley Smith's salary. In turn, she visits all the elementary schools, the middle school and junior high.

Smith will drive the car during the week and the chief will use it for weekend work. The department also plans to display it at police recruiting events and other shows.

But the Mustang's primary purpose is to carry a message to Sikeston's youth -- obeying the law is cool.

"The kids will be just as excited as I am right now," Smith said. "It's a sports vehicle, and they're all into that. And if they're out screwing up, they know this is a faster vehicle and it can catch up with them."