Trojan condoms and the police. An odd pair, yes, but it may happen if advertising is allowed on police squad cars.

Police departments in the North Brunswick, N.J., area are considering a method to ease the strain on taxpayers by putting advertisements on squad cars that possibly could include everything except alcohol, tobacco, guns or gambling.

The debate has ignited a two-sided argument with police officers, advertisers and citizens in New Jersey; however, the mayor of North Brunswick maintains it would promote fiscal responsibility.

“What do you expect in New Jersey?” asked Mayor Greg Sparrow about his mayoral counterpart.

Sparrow contended that advertising on squad cars would cause a problem with taxpayers because they are the ones who technically supply a good deal of the money provided for the cars.

“I’m somewhat skeptical,” Sparrow said. “To me it’s a mistake to commercialize that because whether it’s a squad car or a city hall car this is the taxpayer’s assets.”

Sparrow considered the possibility in DeKalb hardly a viable alternative to providing extra cash for police or easing tax burdens for residents. Lt. Carl Leoni of the DeKalb Police Department said the likelihood of advertising on the cars is slim to none.

“I don’t think DeKalb would ever consider something like that,” Leoni said. “I think most of the street officers [in DeKalb] would be opposed to the idea as well. I don’t think police cars are suited for advertising unless it’s a public service announcement.”

Sgt. Samuel-Louis Bandy of University Police said good judgment should be used, such as promoting Trojan condoms, when deciding what’s advertised.

While his delivery trucks aren’t police cars, Pizza Villa co-owner Larry Finn said he’s considered a similar investment.

“Actually, we thought on the reverse and having our pizza truck do advertising with banks or stores,” Finn said.

Bandy said in terms of University Police, obtaining permission from Springfield could take years and be of great liability to the department.

Whether the overall impact would be positive or negative, Finn said either way, it’s a different alternative for businesses to make an extra buck.

“It’s just another medium of advertising,” Finn said. “It’s like being NASCAR.”