Cop fleets limited by high gas prices

COLUMBUS (AP) — High fuel prices are forcing Columbus police to park their helicopters, prompting concern from some officers.

Safety Director Mitchell Brown ordered Police Chief James Jackson to submit a plan by Friday to limit the five-helicopter fleet’s flying time.

Lt. Michael Elkins says the fleet’s time in the air could be slashed in half, down to eight hours a day. Elkins also says the helicopters could be grounded Sundays.

But Columbus police caution that crime will go up if they reduce flying time.

The cost of fuel — up about $2 a gallon since 2007 — is taking up a lot of the city’s budget.

Police Commander Larry Rod says the city’s plan to stretch the fuel budget is unconscionable. He says it’s not a budget problem, it’s a priority problem.