As Gas Prices Rise, Police Turn to Foot Patrols

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Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:35:16 PM

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GasBuddy News Article

As Gas Prices Rise, Police Turn to Foot Patrols Sunday, July 20, 2008
New York Times -- People around here are seeing a lot more of Officer Robert Stewart. Following strict new orders, he frequently leaves his squad car, hopping out to visit a bartender, then a barber, then a bank teller who squealed and clapped her hands, demanding to see the latest photograph of his son. As gasoline soars past the $4-a-gallon mark, police chiefs in towns and cities across the country are ordering their officers out of the car and onto their feet in a budgetary scramble.
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JT Moderator	Message Posted: 7/20/2008 8:30:45 AM	Ignore JT Report Abuse
	Sunday, July 20, 2008 New York Times -- People around here are seeing a lot more of Officer Robert Stewart. Following strict new orders, he frequently leaves his squad car, hopping out to visit a bartender, then a barber, then a bank teller who squealed and clapped her hands, demanding to see the latest photograph of his son. As gasoline soars past the $4-a-gallon mark, police chiefs in towns and cities across the country are ordering their officers out of the car and onto their feet in a budgetary scramble. Visit New York Times for full article

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SHEP20715 All-Star Author Maryland Posts:560 Points:94,980 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 1:38:55 AM	Ignore SHEP20715 Report Abuse
	personal presence to deters crime
ccf_jeff Champion Author St. Louis Posts:5,483 Points:922,550 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 7/22/2008 6:17:50 PM	Ignore ccf_jeff Report Abuse
	It might become even more effective if the criminals begin to cut back and walk/ride bicycles too. What about horse patrols? Nah, with the price of corn going up because of the ethanol thing it might become too expensive to fill 'em up. But maybe if they could figure out a way to recycle the methane they produce ....
srs_49 Champion Author Baltimore Posts:3,460 Points:374,500 Joined:Feb 2006	Message Posted: 7/22/2008 5:35:38 PM	Ignore srs_49 Report Abuse
	They're more effective on foot in many places anyway.
POLELANE Champion Author Ohio Posts:1,460 Points:147,200 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: 7/22/2008 1:25:25 PM	Ignore POLELANE Report Abuse
	sega
WetChicken Rookie Author New Hampshire Posts:50 Points:11,165 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: 7/22/2008 12:37:06 AM	Ignore WetChicken Report Abuse
	Not a bad idea to get some exercise. Alternatively, they can glide around on a Segway!
djgunrunner Champion Author Salt Lake City Posts:1,115 Points:660,300 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 5:16:08 PM	Ignore djgunrunner Report Abuse
	A Police foot patrol is far more expensive than buying gas for a car. You need more officers to start with and the cost one officer far out weighs the cost of a car. Bike patrols have a real plus but in the big crime ridden cities the bikes would be stolen or stripped if the officer had to leave them.
STEVE853 All-Star Author Florida Posts:774 Points:230,270 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 5:14:15 PM	Ignore STEVE853 Report Abuse
	Old news.
my747 Sophomore Author Maryland Posts:134 Points:824,430 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 5:00:16 PM	Ignore my747 Report Abuse
	CAN'T IMAGINE OUR LOCAL, OR STATE BOYS DOING THE WALKING THING. THE HARDEST THING THEY SEEM TO DO IS RIDE AROUND WITH THEIR FAMILY IN THE CARS, DO THEIR PERSONAL BUSINESS, LIKE SHOPPINGS & SUCH(& WHO PAYS FOR THE GAS) WHEN THEY ARE ON DUTY IT IS SITTING WITH THE A/C RUNNING IN THE SHADED AREAS DOING NOT MUCH OF ANYTHING...THEM DO THE WALK, DON'T THINK SO. THERE WAS AN OFF DUTY STATE POLICE (F-53) @ WAL-MART WITH HIS LADY FRIEND TODAY DOING HIS PERSONAL BUSINESS. HE IS NOT THE ONLY 1, THEY ARE HERE & @ OTHER STORES BOTH OFF DUTY, & ON DUTY DOING THEIR PERSONAL STUFF, IN THE POLICE CARS, & WHO PAYS FOR THE GAS???? [Edited by: my747 at 7/21/2008 5:00:56 PM EST]
HawaiianGuy All-Star Author Idaho Posts:913 Points:1,385,595 Joined:May 2003	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 2:37:21 PM	Ignore HawaiianGuy Report Abuse
	I guess motorcycles are a good thing, until of course, the snow starts to fly.
CrazyQ Champion Author Washington Posts:11,852 Points:1,369,650 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 2:34:31 PM	Ignore CrazyQ Report Abuse
	I can see it now, cops on foot monitoring I-80 across Nebraska, Wyoming; I-35 & I 10 in Texas, etc.! Ha ha. What a laugh!
Stratotanker Rookie Author Dallas Posts:19 Points:45,805 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 11:29:29 AM	Ignore Stratotanker Report Abuse
	Most of them can use the exercise. . However, our present infrastructure is not really suited to this kind of policing. Stop and think of how long it takes to get a 911 response as it is. The cops today simply have to cover a much larger area, and that doesn't work well on foot.
CruisinLinda Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:4,238 Points:863,385 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 11:20:28 AM	Ignore CruisinLinda Report Abuse
	What's so bad about that? A consolation for high gas prices to the communities. A health benefit for the officers. Bad for criminals.
boozerbob Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:2,525 Points:468,905 Joined:Mar 2007	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 11:10:55 AM	Ignore boozerbob Report Abuse
	Some don't know in the twin cites [Mpls. & St. Paul] for years we ride bikes horses, walk the beat & motorcycles. FOR SOME OF YOU NEXT TIME YOU NEED HELP CALL A CRACK HEAD....
Grismer Sophomore Author Ontario Posts:188 Points:61,870 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 11:06:40 AM	Ignore Grismer Report Abuse
	This will probably be a great help to local neighborhoods.
tomok Champion Author Portland Posts:7,790 Points:628,110 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 11:06:13 AM	Ignore tomok Report Abuse
	YES! overweight police on foot or bicycles. Get 'em out of the patrol car and the radar traps. HA! skaters and skate boarder police.......
krucker Sophomore Author Austin Posts:181 Points:346,805 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 11:05:17 AM	Ignore krucker Report Abuse
	Bicycles and Horses sound like good alternatives. COPS ON SKATES? Lets get out of the 70s......ROLLERBLADES!!!!
Gerund1 All-Star Author Toronto Posts:797 Points:784,645 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:59:40 AM	Ignore Gerund1 Report Abuse
	There is nothing better than personal presence to deter crime.
Hawkeyejd Sophomore Author Ontario Posts:209 Points:225,625 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:59:09 AM	Ignore Hawkeyejd Report Abuse
	OK
china211 Veteran Author Long Island Posts:277 Points:57,955 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:58:45 AM	Ignore china211 Report Abuse
	I have started car pooling to work.
kidmikey37 Veteran Author Nevada Posts:412 Points:110,780 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:58:37 AM	Ignore kidmikey37 Report Abuse
	cops on skates? that would be funny
kwazarx Sophomore Author Los Angeles Posts:110 Points:60,080 Joined:Mar 2003	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:57:39 AM	Ignore kwazarx Report Abuse
	I expect to see more bike patrols, maybe skaters.
hangupanddrive Veteran Author Michigan Posts:399 Points:855,465 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:53:03 AM	Ignore hangupanddrive Report Abuse
	Talk about a wellness program! Less doughnuts, more exercise!! Ha.
chillerman Rookie Author Albuquerque Posts:23 Points:141,685 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:51:46 AM	Ignore chillerman Report Abuse
	Oh no!!!! Got a bike????
AlaRedNeck All-Star Author Kansas Posts:701 Points:119,875 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:48:02 AM	Ignore AlaRedNeck Report Abuse
	Gonna be hard for the cops to catch gas drive-off's on foot.
roadkillGA All-Star Author Georgia Posts:766 Points:57,240 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:46:29 AM	Ignore roadkillGA Report Abuse
	Budgets
1998jimmy Rookie Author West Virginia Posts:77 Points:854,515 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:44:14 AM	Ignore 1998jimmy Report Abuse
	BACK TO THE OLD TIMES
nightriderKY Rookie Author Lexington Posts:59 Points:19,005 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:43:19 AM	Ignore nightriderKY Report Abuse
	yep good for them
flatcoatfun All-Star Author Orlando Posts:507 Points:149,520 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:42:25 AM	Ignore flatcoatfun Report Abuse
	good for them!! And they get exercise too - probibly lower their health care costs!!
acknot Veteran Author Seattle Posts:477 Points:560,300 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:42:23 AM	Ignore acknot Report Abuse
	Yes, most cops could use the exercise.
Gassie1 Champion Author Akron Posts:3,935 Points:475,360 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:41:43 AM	Ignore Gassie1 Report Abuse
	I agree
nd73 Veteran Author Grand Rapids Posts:338 Points:214,395 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:41:04 AM	Ignore nd73 Report Abuse
	Most of the cops I see could stand a little exercise!!
RC_RACER All-Star Author Tacoma Posts:762 Points:186,900 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:36:51 AM	Ignore RC_RACER Report Abuse
	yesterdays news, same response.
Schwartzmdja Veteran Author Oklahoma City Posts:293 Points:104,735 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:36:27 AM	Ignore Schwartzmdja Report Abuse
	read this yesterday
CTgasman01 Rookie Author Connecticut Posts:86 Points:18,760 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:32:34 AM	Ignore CTgasman01 Report Abuse
	Well, this is tax payers money as well.
throttle Champion Author Maryland Posts:4,122 Points:931,575 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:30:12 AM	Ignore throttle Report Abuse
	Good.
canescommuter All-Star Author Greensboro Posts:525 Points:107,360 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:29:31 AM	Ignore canescommuter Report Abuse
	They never should have gotten away from foot patrols. How much gas is wasted idling behind every corner trying to trap someone driving 10 miles over the "limit"?
RochBear Champion Author Minnesota Posts:1,292 Points:422,675 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:28:00 AM	Ignore RochBear Report Abuse
	They should first of all get rid of their SUVs too. When are the cops going to be "pulling a boat" or "NEED the extra room". I don't see them arresting 6 people and need the 7 passenger room.
myromeo Sophomore Author Missouri Posts:115 Points:99,930 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:27:38 AM	Ignore myromeo Report Abuse
	good get to know the people they are there to serve and protect. it can also be a good way to get leads on crimes if the people know them then they are more apt to talk to them
dyeh Veteran Author Illinois Posts:345 Points:102,925 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:27:38 AM	Ignore dyeh Report Abuse
	This is the third article I've read that's a duplicate of one posted late last week. The good news is even the police is trying to save gas. Every day I get passed on the freeway by speeding SUV's with single drivers. We have a long way to go to decrease significant demand. 1% decrease is piddly.
Chris46 Champion Author Dayton Posts:5,684 Points:653,215 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:26:43 AM	Ignore Chris46 Report Abuse
	Yep
my3sons Champion Author New York Posts:1,169 Points:779,225 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:23:22 AM	Ignore my3sons Report Abuse
	they will be more connected to the communities too
WillyG Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:1,153 Points:425,100 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:22:17 AM	Ignore WillyG Report Abuse
	England has been doing it for decades. Why can't we ? And why do patrol cars have to be big V8 gas guzzlers ? In a lot of countries police drive small very efficient patrol cars. How about motorcycles ?
dmmd3 Rookie Author Rochester Posts:22 Points:8,140 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:20:02 AM	Ignore dmmd3 Report Abuse
	Bike patrols when possible, and officers not idling the cars for hours like i have seen may help. Also if they stopped speeding everywhere that may help too.lol
yelobus Veteran Author Houston Posts:457 Points:474,680 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:16:55 AM	Ignore yelobus Report Abuse
	A few couldn't walk a block if they had to.
rbdesigns Veteran Author Modesto Posts:295 Points:85,295 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:16:10 AM	Ignore rbdesigns Report Abuse
	I wonder if they are going to bring back horses?
Japsmith All-Star Author Tacoma Posts:862 Points:162,125 Joined:Sep 2007	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:13:57 AM	Ignore Japsmith Report Abuse
	Its even getting too expensive for robbers, since they have recently changed their trends to robbing gasoline along with their already long lists of goods and cash.
z1000 All-Star Author Indianapolis Posts:674 Points:125,520 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:12:59 AM	Ignore z1000 Report Abuse
	Thats OK because criminals don't drive cars...
krell58 Champion Author Missouri Posts:3,996 Points:798,230 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:12:46 AM	Ignore krell58 Report Abuse
	Watch the Energy Non-Crisis. http://tinyurl.com/33l95c
cameronboi Rookie Author Austin Posts:12 Points:33,105 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:12:39 AM	Ignore cameronboi Report Abuse
	there are also horse-back patrols as well! poor horses in the Texas heat...
amacquarrie Rookie Author Nevada Posts:71 Points:22,800 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:10:24 AM	Ignore amacquarrie Report Abuse
	I have been seeing a lot of cops on bikes lately.