MI State police using stationary radar.

**proudNMAmember** · 03-03-2007, 08:18 PM

I came across this on www.thenewspaper.com and thought I would share w/ the board. Here it is.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Michigan Cops Use Radar to Save Gas
On February 14, the Michigan State Police ordered troopers to cut back on patrolling the highways because of the cost of gas. Instead, troopers are being encouraged to set up stationary speed traps to boost state revenue. The force must save or raise a total of $2 million by October 1 to meet state budget targets. "We're still responding to emergency runs like crashes, but we're not patrolling as actively," State Police Lieutenant Roderick Williams told the Detroit Free Press newspaper. "We're making every effort to reduce our mileage and save gas." The average price of regular gas to Michigan consumers is $2.52, up from $2.42 at the same time last year. With troopers driving an average of 35 million miles each year, the small price increase has a large impact on the department's budget, which is currently headed toward a $3.1 million deficit. In Jackson, the Free Press reports troopers on the morning shift may only drive about 50 miles while night-shift troopers are limited to 100 miles. To enforce the budget targets, Governor Jennifer Granholm (D) is also threatening to fire 30 state troopers unless the state legislature imposes a two-percent tax hike on services to fund increased spending.
Source: Cops cut gas, not criminal pursuits (Detroit Free Press (MI), 3/3/2007)

**bauzer71487** · 03-03-2007, 10:20 PM

Nice post Proud - definitely something to think about when you see a State Boy driving down the expressway with his radar on

Chances are he's not really looking for anyone!!

**proudNMAmember** · 03-04-2007, 06:22 AM

B, might be looking for one of us suposed "speeders" here on this forum. LOL

**StlouisX50** · 03-05-2007, 11:11 PM

State Police asked to drive less, save more

Updated: March 5, 2007 04:40 PM

By DAN BEWLEY

BATTLE CREEK - Michigan State Police troopers are being asked to drive about 20 percent less to save $2 million by October 1.

In 2006, the State Police put 35 million miles on a fleet that cost $14 million to run. The $2 million savings is aimed at dealing with a hole in the current state budget.

In the Battle Creek post, troopers logged more than 360,000 miles in 2006. "They're probably averaging anywhere from 150 - 220 miles a shift per car," said Lt. Dale Peet.

In 2006, the state police fleet division was $1.6 million over budget.

There won't be any fewer troopers on patrol, just a difference in what they will be doing. Traffic patrols will be cut back, and "instead, they'll be working from a stationary radar location," Peet said, "using a laser to work speed-enforcement plus seatbelt enforcement from a stationary position."

If someone needs to file a complaint, a trooper may do that over the telephone "instead of driving out to the person's home."

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The State of Michigan: Your Money, Your Future - a Town Hall Forum with Governor Jennifer Granholm, Wednesday at 7 p.m. on WOOD TV8.