THE BEST THING about a Charlotte-based company’s offer to provide cruisers for $1 a year to local police departments that allow advertising on the vehicles is that the firm has not delivered on its promise yet.

Government Acquisitions has not produced any cars although it made the pledge to some governments as far back as 18 months ago, and we hope it never will. We shudder at the prospects of officers patrolling in cars bought by a business and sporting advertisement.

No matter how dedicated and ethical officers might be, it would be hard for some in the public to believe their police department is not for sale. It must be absolutely clear, in appearance as well as in fact, that the police work for all the people, and not just those who can afford to sponsor their cars.

Certainly, we understand the money crunch small towns are enduring. When you consider the tiny budgets of Chapin and Prosperity, getting a $30,000 cruiser for seemingly nothing is a great windfall. However, Chapin and Prosperity, as well as others around the country considering this offer, stand to lose the confidence of their citizenry if they accept such a deal.

If police cars are worn and tattered and need to be replaced, taxpayers and officials must pay the cost or find another acceptable way to fund them.

Decking cruisers out in company logos isn’t the answer. A police car is an official government vehicle and it ought to look like one.