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The Salt Lake City Police Department today took another step forward to save gasoline and choose renewable energy. The next time you spot flashing lights in the rearview mirror, it might just be a hybrid patrol vehicle chasing you down.
Administrators already drive hybrids, but this may be the first Utah test of hybrids on patrol. "I think it's necessary, given the direction of the economy, as well as the budget challenges we have here in the city," Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank said.
The force added five Toyota Camry hybrids. It also picked up two chargeable electric Segways that police will use to patrol Pioneer Park and the Jordan River.
Even though prices are down, the department spends $1.5 million on gasoline each year. The hybrids are rated at 33 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway, while the Chevy Impala cruisers in the fleet average 23 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway.
The hybrids cost $4,000 more, but the chief thinks they will be cost effective and that they fit city goals. According to Mayor Ralph Becker, those goals are "to manage our fleet more wisely, in terms of energy use, and to just progress our city one step at a time to being a sustainable city."
Another advantage with saving gas money: The chief says he can keep as many officers on the street as possible. "We're looking for alternatives that we can save on our budget elsewhere so we can keep our personnel costs where they are and maintain the staffing levels that we have," Burbank said.
The department will test the hybrids over a year and decide whether to buy more next year.
E-mail: jboal@ksl.com
