The Federal Way Police Department will roll out its new black and white Ford Interceptor police vehicles Tuesday.

Join Mayor Jim Ferrell, the City Council and Police Chief Andy Hwang at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16 in front of City Hall for the official rollout. The regular City Council meeting will commence at 7 p.m.

The new look is intended to increase visibility compared to the current navy with a gray stripe design.

“We wanted our police vehicles to stand out more and the new look really hits the mark. They’re eye-catching,”  Ferrell said. In addition to the mayor’s support, a majority of department members supported the change.

The department has approximately 60 marked patrol vehicles; they are the most visible aspect of city government.  The change to black and white signifies a new, fresh look that underscores the progressive approach of Federal Way and the department, city officials said.

“Public safety continues to be a top priority in Federal Way, and these newly designed black and white police vehicles are just another way we are improving the safety of our neighborhoods through increased visibility,” Hwang said.

The existing fleet is being converted to black and white on the normal vehicle replacement schedule, avoiding additional costs. The first six cars to hit the streets are the first of 12 new police vehicles that will be deployed in 2014. The department estimates completing full conversion by 2019.