CINCINNATI
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While many Tri-state police departments are struggling to pay for high fuel costs, planning ahead has helped Cincinnati police stay under budget.
More officers are walking the beat or riding or bicycles on patrol, which helps increase presence while using less gasoline.
"I can get up on the sidewalks the alleys through the traffic and I save a lot of gas," said Brett Gleckler, a police specialist.
City Councilman Cecil Thomas said the savings are part of a well thought-out plan to fight record-high gas prices.
"It has had a very positive effect simply because the police department is on target with it's budget relative to the increased cost of fuel," Thomas said. "Planning ahead has done that, and it has saved a considerable amount of money."
Horses cost between $4,000 and $10,000, compared to the $30,000 price tag for police cruisers, and horses cost about $6.50 per day to feed.
"(It's) $80 to fill up a car, so it's a pretty good tradeoff," Gleckler said. "Everybody loves the horse."
The department plans to add five new horses and six mounted officers, which Thomas said would save fuel and officers said would improve community relations.
"It's cheap (and) it's a win-win for the city, it's a win-win for the police department and the community," Gleckler said.
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