Published: April 27, 2008 12:00 am      

Police turn to foot patrols to save money

MANISTEE -- Feeling the squeeze from lofty gas prices, the Manistee police department is making changes in the way it patrols city streets.

Officers will be doing some foot patrols to cut down on fuel costs.

Police Chief Dave Bachman tells WKLA radio that officers will be assigned to two hours of foot patrol every day in an effort to save five gallons of gas a day. The department uses about 25 gallons a day.

AAA Michigan reported earlier this week that gas prices hit a record high with a statewide average of $3.52 per gallon.

Bachman says two cruisers will remain on duty during foot patrols. He said the department may have to cut jobs if prices continue to rise.