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Ashley Hayes reportingLee Dobrowolski, President Salt Lake Police Assoc.: "I haven't heard citizens say we don't want police cars in the neighborhoods."
Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson wants to stop officers from taking patrol cars after hours and charge them to take it home at night.
Salt Lake City Police say they'll fight the Mayor's new budget proposal that would stop them from driving their patrol cars home after hours.
It's all because of gas prices. Mayor Anderson is trying to restrict programs that are costing the city gas money. But police say cutting their car take home program could result in residents paying with their safety.
Last night nearly thirty officers crowded in to the City Council meeting. They are opposed to the mayor's recommendation that would stop officers from driving their cars off duty and charge them to take the vehicles home.
Officers have been parking the patrol cars in their driveways for more than 20 years. They say the take home program is a job perk, but also has a practical purpose.
Lee Dobrowolski, President Salt Lake City Police Association: "We're upset because we have a program that works well and is an integral part of our emergency response plan. We used it for the tornado. When the earthquake that everyone predicts comes, it's an integral part of our response plan."
Dobrowolski also says off duty officers are able to respond to emergencies if they're in their cars.
Police would like to see private businesses that hire officers pay an extra dollar an hour per officer to absorb the gas prices.
Mayor Anderson is out of town this week.
The Council didn't take any action last night, and won't vote on a budget until next month.
Police say they want to work this out peacefully, but say the take home program is in their contract. If it comes down to it, they'll get their lawyers involved.
