CULLMAN, Ala. – From January to February of 2022 the Cullman Police Department’s fuel cost rose by 45%, while the City of Cullman’s overall fuel and lubricants have increased by 57% from January through March.
With a slew of departments, rising fuel costs can make a large impact in a city or county’s overall financial standing from quarter to quarter.
The Cullman Tribune had reached out to the CPD and City of Cullman regarding the quickly increasing costs. A group, consisting of representatives from both the CPD and city, complied the following information.
TCT: Please tell us what impact, if any, the rising cost of fuel, both gasoline and diesel, has had on the CPD and its patrol routes.
CPD: Public safety is a priority over the cost of fuel, and we have not at this time altered operating procedures due to the cost of fuel outside of some semi-permanent changes which were implemented earlier in the COVID19 pandemic relating to completing appropriate calls-for-service by phone. The department still does this as it was found to be effective and efficient in certain cases when practical, whereas pre-pandemic our department strictly took law enforcement reports in person.
The department also reminds our officers to avoid leaving cars idling when possible; however, the required equipment in a patrol vehicle in the modern world (largely computer electronics and other high-tech gear) must remain powered, and a full shut down means a lengthy restart time that wouldn’t be acceptably for response to an emergency call.
TCT: How many patrol units operate on a routine day?
CPD: Patrol, as well as special duty units such as targeted traffic enforcement and animal control, equate to anything from four to 10 units on duty at a given time.
TCT: What’s the average mileage for each routine shift?
CPD: We do not typically track per-unit mileages as it can vary extensively due to call volume. Responding to calls for service in many City incorporated areas during a 12 hour shift can certainly equal significant milage while handling residential and business district patrols as well as routine report calls. Numerous outlying residential annexations certainly has added to the coverage area and the growth of the City is excellent, but increases responsibility for our department.
TCT: What measures has the CPD put in place to help lower costs? Does the CPD purchase fuel in bulk?
CPD: Again, restrictions have not been placed on accomplishing required duties due to the cost of fuel. Purchasing is under a City wide contract managed by the City of Cullman administration department at large and not specific to the police department.
When representatives of the City of Cullman were asked about the purchase of bulk fuel, they gave the following answer.
CoCMG: In regard to the purchase question, we do not even know the exact details of the current McPherson/Fuelman arrangements, my assumption was that it was some type flat market average bulk rate but my involvement with that from the time that we closed the city pumps (pre-Festhalle) was setting up login accounts for accounting and helping them troubleshoot the java versions for the Fuelman website.
TCT: Has the rise in fuel pricing affected response to calls either negatively or positively? Please explain.
CPD: It will likely ultimately impact the overall budget as fuel is a significant portion of the overall departmental funding, though ultimately it is a cost of operation that must be expended to preform required duties.
TCT: At what point does fuel hit a price where patrol routes would have to be cutback or reduced?
CPD: We do not have an established threshold.
When asked if there was anything not mentioned in the questioning, CPD replied:
CPD: Our department feels the same impact that everyone does relating the increase costs across the board, not just fuel. The cost of duty gear has increased, as well as vehicle equipment. Likewise, apparent supply chain issues have imposed delays in obtaining equipment and those challenges seem to continue to worsen.
However, the department and our officers and administrators certainly continue to focus on doing the best, most effective, and most appropriate actions we can to continue to insure the proper level of service to the City of Cullman.
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