| Operation Conservation |
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| Written by Sherry Bray |
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With fuel prices hovering around four dollars per gallon, law enforcement agencies are struggling. The Kentucky State Police (KSP) felt the ‘pain at the pump’ and were forced to create a strategy that would offset the impact fuel prices were having on the agency. “When you’re faced with an unexpected rise in costs like we’ve experienced, you have to devise a solution,” Commissioner Rodney Brewer said. “The problem is identifying that solution without changing the level of protection and enforcement currently in place.” In May, the agency purchased 160,000 gallons of fuel compared to May of 2007, when 170,500 gallons were purchased. Even though we purchased six percent less fuel, the cost to the agency increased by $132,000. To mitigate these costs and use of fuel, we implemented Operation Safe C.H.E.C.K. (Concentrated Highway Enforcement Checkpoints in Kentucky). The program was rolled out July 1st and ran through Labor Day Weekend. Two hundred road checks were conducted statewide, as we used collision data to target specific high-crash locations, enabling us to reduce the number of roving patrols while increasing stationary checkpoints and thereby reducing the amount of gas used. “Regardless of the cost of fuel, you have to provide protection,” said Brewer. “But if there are ways to offer effective law enforcement and save lives while reducing fuel costs, that’s what we’ll try to do.” Captain Tim Lucas, Commander for the KSP Highway Safety Branch coordinated the summer checkpoint project. “Operation Safe C.H.E.C.K. allowed Troopers to perform license and registration checks while also making personal contact with the public,” said Lucas. “To keep traffic moving, some vehicles were permitted to pass without screening while others were randomly selected for inspection. The drivers who are not stopped for screening are still impacted by the visual exposure of enforcement activity,” he added. Posts were directed to keep traffic moving smoothly at checkpoint locations to limit delays. In addition to removing impaired drivers from the road, other violations were addressed, such as expired tags, driving without insurance and general vehicle safety operating violations. Checkpoints have also proven to be key in apprehending fugitives and drivers with suspended licenses. Initial data indicates that the uniformed patrol fleet reduced fuel usage by 3,770 gallons during the two-month campaign (compared to the same time period in 2007). Operation Safe C.H.E.C.K. saved the agency $14,000 in fuel costs. Other policies that are reducing our use of gas include: • Off-duty use of cruisers was severely restricted and monitored by supervisors. • Cruisers should not be ‘warmed’ up or left running when not engaged in official duty. • Stationary radar enforcement should be used whenever possible. • Troopers are to drive the speed limit at all times when not on emergency calls. • Personnel are to carpool whenever possible to in-service training, post meetings, etc. • Air filter replacement and tire inflation will be monitored by operational sergeants. • Increase the mileage requirement for oil changes from 3,000 to 5,000 miles. The mileage change has contributed to a reduction of $385,000 in vehicle repairs (FY 2008) compared to the same time period last year. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites          Comments (0)
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