A police department in Ohio announced it has had to reduce its number of patrols amid surging gas prices.
The South Zanesville Police Department has instructed its officers to conserve fuel by performing “stationary patrols.”
Rather than driving throughout neighborhoods in search of crime, officers have been instructed to remain parked in one spot and turn off their engines, according to a report.
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“We’re not as visible as we normally want to be,” South Zanesville Police Chief Mark Ross said.
“We’d like to move around through our village and let people see us.”
Patrols will continue to be reduced until gas prices start to lower, according to Ross.
“We’re going to be over our budget if it continues,” he said. “Economically, we’re getting strapped here.”
A portion of the equipment budget had to be reallocated toward gas, Ross said.
The national average price for regular gasoline flew above the $5 mark last week, according to AAA.
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Last year, that price sat at $3.08, according to the report.
