Oregon Police Department Removes 'Thin Blue Line' From Patrol Vehicles

BEND, Oregon -- The Bend Police Department announced last week that it is removing the "Thin Blue Line" from all of its patrol vehicles.

In a Facebook post Thursday, officials said that the decision comes after the "divisive use of the thin blue line symbol to fit a narrative unassociated with our department or what we stand for."

The full message is below:

Our patrol vehicles are currently getting a makeover, by removing the blue line graphic on them. The “thin blue line” has meant many things over the decades.

The divisive use of the thin blue line symbol to fit a narrative unassociated with our department or what we stand for, 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, we will be looking for a design that incorporates a way to honor members of our first responder family who have given their life in service of their communities. Our goal is to have a symbol created that blends seamlessly with our existing mountain graphics.