Gas prices affect police presence
With record high gas prices, many police departments across the state are looking at ways to save money.
St. Cloud Police Chief, Dennis Ballantine, said no matter what, public safety comes first.
"So we never can do a lot with it but we've certainly been discussing that at some length. We do know that in the summertime, we spend more time with our officers on bicycles, particular in areas we're looking at the possibility of doubling up officers and cars to send one car rather than two on a call," Ballantine said.
Ballantine said the St. Cloud police department's gas budget is fine this year because it bought fuel at a good price early in the year. But, he says next year could be a problem, if prices do not come down. St. Cloud's gas budget is about $250,000 dollars a year.
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