Where Does the Funding Come From to Fuel Police Cars?

Police departments have a fuel budget.

Police departments set aside a portion of the department budget each year for fuel costs. With the rise in fuel costs, however, some big departments, such as the police department in New York City, are introducing select hybrid vehicles.

Fuel Budget

The fuel used in police squad cars is paid for by the police department's fuel budget. This money comes out of the department's annual budget. Some departments have suffered greatly with the rise in fuel prices. Even with cuts made to total miles driven, police departments are still spending more on fuel in recent years.

Hybrid Vehicles

The Westwood Police Department in New Jersey and the New York Police Department, among others, have introduced some select hybrid vehicles to help with the rising fuel costs. In addition to helping reduce fuel costs, these hybrids produce fewer emissions, doing their part for the environment and setting a good example.

Cutting Jobs for Fuel

In recent years police departments in the U.S. and in the U.K. have been forced to make adjustments to accommodate for rising fuel costs. Cutting jobs, cutting hours and reducing the amount of patrol driving officers engage in helps free up additional money for the fuel budget and reduces overall fuel use.

References

• The Bismarck Tribune: Law Enforcement Budgets at Pay Pump
• New Jersey State League of Municipalities: Westwood Police are Driving Green
• NYC.gov: Press Release: Commissioner Introduces Hybrid Cars
• The Telegraph: Police Cut Jobs to Meet Rising Petrol Costs