NYPD phases out ‘Courtesy, Professionalism, Respect’ motto on patrol cars

NEW YORK (PIX11)– The NYPD is giving their cars a makeover.

The department will cease promoting Courtesy, Professionalism, and Respect and replace the motto with a new crime-fighting slogan.

The motto has been on patrol cars since 1996— as part of a public relations and training campaign launched under Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

The Courtesy, Professionalism, and Respect motto is gradually being phased out as the department updates its vehicle fleet with the new crime-focused messaging: “Fighting Crime, Protecting The Public.”

More than 100 cars of the department’s entire fleet have been branded with the new motto.

Though the department has long been associated with “Courtesy, Professionalism, Respect,” the NYPD maintains a separate official motto: “Fidelis Ad Mortem,” a Latin phrase meaning “Faithful Unto Death.”

T his story comprises reporting from The Associated Press .

Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here .

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