Controversial decals declaring support for Canada's troops have been affixed to Ottawa police cruisers.

The yellow ribbons with the words "Support our troops" were unveiled in a ceremony Friday despite criticism from at least one councillor that they turn the city-owned vehicles into political message boards.

Yellow ribbon decals showing support for Canada's troops were put on Ottawa police cruisers Friday.
(CBC)

"We expect our public servants to stay out of politics," said Coun. Alex Cullen, who wants a debate on whether the stickers should be allowed. "We all support our troops in Afghanistan but not everybody in Canada supports the mission there. It's quite a divisive public issue and I don't think we should be using public property to promote one view or the other."

Police Chief Vern White said the stickers are not political.

"What it means to me is that we support our troops," he told reporters Friday.

Mayor Larry O'Brien said the stickers are only political when councillors become involved.

The yellow ribbon stickers already decorate city-owned fire trucks.

They were put there with the approval of former mayor Bob Chiarelli, who said each city department could come up with a way to show its support for troops.

In July, Calgary city councillors decided not to allow the yellow ribbons on its city vehicles in following an emotional debate.