Higher Fuel Prices Hurting Law Enforcement Agencies

Police departments, especially those serving smaller cities and towns, are beginning to feel the economic pinch of the recent hike in gas prices. For instance, the Memphis Police Department reports that it is already $1.2 million over its gasoline budget for 2006.

The higher gas and fuel prices are beginning to wreak havoc within America

For instance, in one southern city, each one cent increase in a gallon of gas means a $70,000 increase in annual fuel costs to the city budget, according to a report distributed at the League of Municipalities Conference, on October 17, 2005.

As a means to conserve gas and save money officers there are encouraged to walk instead of drive whenever possible. However, some law enforcement agencies were prepared for the increase.

National Association of Chiefs of Police