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Connecticut State troopers become fuel conscious

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Posted by: andy0921

Connecticut State troopers become fuel conscious


Hartford (WTNH) _ On the state level, troopers are also feeling the pinch. They’re being asked to limit their driving on their days off.
With a force of 1,200, the State Police has the largest fleet of cars in state government. As many may know, state troopers work five days on and three days off and they take the police cars home.
The directive is for troopers to save 10 percent on gas consumption by July 1st and 25 percent in the twelve months that follow – by not pumping any gas from the state pumps at the barracks during their three days off.
“They can fill up their cars at the end of their shift,” John Danaher, of Connecticut Department of Public Safety said. “Before they go off duty for three days, we simply ask them to try to make that tank – make it through the three days that they’re off.”
But, the union that represents the troopers, notes that the state police are never truly off duty and are expected to perform law enforcement at all times – whether it’s helping a motorist or assisting at a crime scene. “There’s a concern now if there’s going to be less off duty cars out there because they’re not being driven because of gas usage concerns that there’s less troopers to respond to emergencies,” Steven Rief, President of the Connecticut State Police Union, said.
The governor said today that the issue was not her concern and that she was only interested in holding the line on spending at all state agencies. “How they determine to do that is entirely up to the agency,” Governor Jodi Rell said. “That is not an issue that I have dealt with.”
Troopers are issued gasoline credit cards for emergencies. But, their use could actually cost taxpayers more since state pumps contain gas bought at bulk wholesale prices and do not include state taxes.
“For using the gas cards to fill up our cruisers, you’re paying the pump rate that everybody else pays and therefore it’s more money on the taxpayers,” Rief said.
“Everybody’s primary goal within the department is public safety and we’re not going to do anything that’s going to impair that mission,” Danaher said. “If we find that this directive in anyway does impair that mission, then we’re going to revisit it.”



http://connpolitics.tv/index.php/200...fuel-conscious


Posted by: Sniper

5 and 3 ?????? Sweet.


Posted by: GreenMachine

NH Troopers not allowed to drive cruisers off duty at all any more.


Posted by: SinePari

Getting issued an unmarked Taurus wouldn't be a bad thing


Posted by: Mitpo62

Surely unrelated, but my buddy just graduated from their academy today. We worked together in Fla. briefly before returning to cash cow New England.


Posted by: bbelichick

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sniper View Post
5 and 3 ?????? Sweet.
4-2 is better.


Posted by: Mitpo62

We have the 5 and 3 too, but also have self-swaps which is sweet!


Posted by: PapaBear

In California, officers do not have personally assigned units to take home. They commute in their POVs - except for motorcycle officers and some investigative and special details.

Additionally, the administration has just approved, for some offices, a work week of three days of twelve hour shifts and four days off. Every other week they have to work an extra shift to keep the monthly work hours(168 ) in line.


Posted by: j809

4 and 4 is even better.


Posted by: galehopeful

4-3 isn't bad either!


Posted by: drewpopo

I'm all for working doubles , and swaping a month off


Posted by: kttref

I can see State agencies, which currently provide take-home cruisers, taking away the that benefit. Just to save money.

The first selectman of the town I work in has asked us to shut off our vehicles whenever we are idle to save on money...My chief said no.

5 and 3 is no good...I hate working 5 days...which is why I don't


Posted by: Delta784

I've heard of some PD's doubling-up officers in one cruiser to save fuel. If gas costs continue to skyrocket, I think take-home cruisers might be a thing of the past.


Posted by: bbelichick

Quote:
Originally Posted by Delta784 View Post
I've heard of some PD's doubling-up officers in one cruiser to save fuel. If gas costs continue to skyrocket, I think take-home cruisers might be a thing of the past.
If you have a Per Diem in your contract, it might be more expensive to take them away than the gas.


Posted by: cmagryan

Quote:
Originally Posted by Delta784 View Post
I've heard of some PD's doubling-up officers in one cruiser to save fuel. If gas costs continue to skyrocket, I think take-home cruisers might be a thing of the past.
- Yep - been doublin' up for a while now. Always a joy ... (HRock will be reading this!!!)


Posted by: Delta784

Quote:
Originally Posted by bbelichick View Post
If you have a Per Diem in your contract, it might be more expensive to take them away than the gas.
If gas hits $5 per gallon this summer as many are predicting, I think the PTB would pay the per diem with a smile.

Quote:
Originally Posted by cmagryan View Post
- Yep - been doublin' up for a while now. Always a joy ... (HRock will be reading this!!!)
I used to work two to a cruiser, but I've flown solo for so long I couldn't go back at this point. Without killing someone, anyway.


Posted by: bbelichick

Quote:
Originally Posted by Delta784 View Post
If gas hits $5 per gallon this summer as many are predicting, I think the PTB would pay the per diem with a smile.
I dunno...that's a lot of cash, and the department would still be paying for the gas while on patrol.


Posted by: Delta784

Quote:
Originally Posted by bbelichick View Post
I dunno...that's a lot of cash, and the department would still be paying for the gas while on patrol.
Oh, I'm sure they'll come up with wonderfully innovative ways to deal with that...no idling, take calls from static locations, etc.

What the hell....the Kansas City experiment said that random patrol has no effect on crime anyway, right?


Posted by: SinePari

I love seeing the ding-dings drive the .3 mpg big rigs to and from the supermarket for food runs...and everybody still waves to them.


Posted by: Deuce

The bucket heads have a pretty good deal; 2 sleep overs and a BBQ and the rest of the week off...


Posted by: andy0921

I was waiting for some douche bag to write a Letter to The Editor...

Quote:
Speeding state police waste a lot of gasoline
 After reading the article titled,“Gas restrictions upset state police,” published May 14, concerning the proposed restrictions on state troopers' personal gasoline use, I have the following comment and suggestion.
During 30 odd years of driving on Connecticut highways and byways, I have very seldom seen a state police car driven at less than 15 mph over the posted speed limit. Since they are almost never displaying the flashing light bar, I can only assume that they are not responding to an emergency.
For the moment, let's forget about the danger inherent in closing in from the rear without warning on cars that are traveling 15 to 20 mph slower than we are. Let's focus on the excessive gas used to push the high-powered land yachts they enjoy at speeds that would cost you or me our driver's license if we were apprehended by the aforementioned state police. The greatly increased gasoline usage as speed increases is a well-settled fact.
So, why don't we equip their yachts with the same GPS devices that over-the-road truckers have. These devices report time, distance, position and speed to the trucking company. Drivers get in trouble if they are reported for driving over the company speed limit. If the officer is found to be speeding without an accompanying documented emergency dispatch order, he or she would receive the same ticket we ordinary mortals do. Incidentally, he or she would have to pay the ticket cost out of his or her own pocket.
I'll bet that this action would result in at least 15 percent gasoline savings as well as extending the life of the car.
It might also reduce insurance costs on the fleet.
Jim Bodle Groton
Regional



Posted by: KJack815

GFY Jim Bodle Groton


Posted by: rg1283

$5 a gallon! NO! But does it matter at this point? Yes it does, however its not like we went from $1.50 to $5.00 over night. Either way everyone is losing it is a national security threat how high gas has gone, since it its impeding the economic health of this country. Too much jay severin


Posted by: mpr4601

Quote:
Originally Posted by Deuce View Post
The bucket heads have a pretty good deal; 2 sleep overs and a BBQ and the rest of the week off...
Ours do 24 hours on and then 3 days off. BBQ is optional though.


Posted by: wlrysn365

http://www.abc6.com/news/18475499.html

Right now, gas prices are hurting everyone who has to fill up. But, there's a large group of Providence Police officers who are taking their work cars home with them, filling up on taxpayer's money. Some of these officers are driving 30, 40, even 80 miles home each day with their department-issued cars.

ABC 6 News Chief Reporter Jim Hummel talks about the department's privileges with Police Chief Dean Esserman, in another You Paid For It! investigation.


lol chief said so...

the 24 on 1 off 24 on 5 off is prob the best i have heard of.


Posted by: Loyal

Time to drill off-shore,at ANWR and to build more refineries and nuclear plants if we are serious about the cost of energy.. BTW, it's not just the SP who have take home cars; what about all the people who work for your municipality or State government who have this same perk ? How often do any of them REALLY respond to emergencies when they are off duty ? Not nearly enough to justify this needless expense to the tax-payers.
Why not pay these upper echelon employees mileage for use of their p o v when they respond to the VERY rare off duty call they may receive ? (Just like the rest of us get reimbursed for mileage, when we are required to use our own car when summonsed to court.. )
This "take home of cars" perk is very wide spread in municipal, federal and state government. With the cost of fuel, we are all paying through the nose to give certain people a very generous bennie.. I agree with Delta, things will change with the soaring cost of gas and the ever growing "green" movement.


Posted by: HELPMe

I have said it before, but you cant pay enough money for half the crap police officers have to deal with on a daily basis, the threat of being sued, hit stabbed, shot, killed, thrown under the bus by your own etc. The least the state can do is provide you with a "company" vehicle. They will tell the police to stop driving their take homes, but the governor, house or reps, state senators, town building inspector will all get to keep theirs.

The only point I agree on, is that a full tank of gas should last you 3 days. I really don't see a need to drive a cruiser on your days off. What are you going to do? Respond to calls in a t-shirt and jeans? Do you take your kids to school in the cage? Do you like playing with your light bar? If I worked for this agency it would go in my driveway with a big car cover over it. Use it for what it was meant for, patrol and calls for service. Not to take your kids to school or buy groceries.


Posted by: mpr4601

Quote:
Originally Posted by HELPMe View Post
If I worked for this agency it would go in my driveway with a big car cover over it.
CSP's cruisers are almost all unmarked with removable light bars, I guess for the purpose of using it on days off.


Posted by: bbelichick

Quote:
Originally Posted by HELPMe View Post
If I worked for this agency it would go in my driveway with a big car cover over it. Use it for what it was meant for, patrol and calls for service. Not to take your kids to school or buy groceries.
Then you would be wrong. CSP cruisers are unmarked because troopers are encouraged to use them on time off.

They are required to assist and get involved when off duty.


Posted by: kttref

Quote:
Originally Posted by HELPMe View Post
What are you going to do? Respond to calls in a t-shirt and jeans?
Yes.

Quote:
Originally Posted by HELPMe View Post
Do you take your kids to school in the cage?
CSP doesn't have cages in their cars.

Quote:
Originally Posted by HELPMe View Post
Do you like playing with your light bar?
Maybe some do. Hell, it's not that hard to take it off and put it back on.

Quote:
Originally Posted by HELPMe View Post
If I worked for this agency it would go in my driveway with a big car cover over it. Use it for what it was meant for, patrol and calls for service. Not to take your kids to school or buy groceries.
And you would be in the minority. But you know what...good for you for being so self-righteous!





Now a story. I was driving home from work one day...stuck in traffic as per usual...and I see one of my buddies on the side of the road in his cruiser (lightbar was off) in gym clothes. I think to myself..."what is he doing?" Turns out he was helping a stranded motorist help change I tire. I pull up and offer my assistance as well, but they were all set.

Moral of the story - guess what CSP actually uses their cruisers off duty to help motorist and respond to simple things...so other troopers on the road don't have to waste their time if they can avoid it. Troop G is a VERY busy barracks...any help they can get is nice.


Posted by: cj3441

Quote:
Originally Posted by bbelichick View Post
4-2 is better.
Yep.


Posted by: Grasshopper

[quote=Loyal;288346]Time to drill off-shore,at ANWR and to build more refineries and nuclear plants if we are serious about the cost of energy.. BTW, it's not just the SP who have take home cars; what about all the people who work for your municipality or State government who have this same perk ? How often do any of them REALLY respond to emergencies when they are off duty ? Not nearly enough to justify this needless expense to the tax-payers.
Why not pay these upper echelon employees mileage for use of their p o v when they respond to the VERY rare off duty call they may receive ? (Just like the rest of us get reimbursed for mileage, when we are required to use our own car when summonsed to court.. )
This "take home of cars" perk is very wide spread in municipal, federal and state government. With the cost of fuel, we are all paying through the nose to give certain people a very generous bennie

+1

We do need more refineries as well as more offshore drilling. Then again, if gas prices remained low...would we even be considering nuclear, solar, hydroelectric and wind power? Without the rising gas prices, we wouldn't have much of an argument against those unwilling to relinquish their grasp upon their pretty ocean view so that we can alleviate our dependence on foreign oil.


Posted by: kwflatbed

"we wouldn't have much of an argument against those unwilling to relinquish their grasp upon their pretty ocean view so that we can alleviate our dependence on foreign oil."

Hyannisport and the lovely Kennedy clan, dont spoil my view.


Posted by: HELPMe

Quote:
Originally Posted by kttref View Post
Yes.


CSP doesn't have cages in their cars.


Maybe some do. Hell, it's not that hard to take it off and put it back on.


And you would be in the minority. But you know what...good for you for being so self-righteous!





Now a story. I was driving home from work one day...stuck in traffic as per usual...and I see one of my buddies on the side of the road in his cruiser (lightbar was off) in gym clothes. I think to myself..."what is he doing?" Turns out he was helping a stranded motorist help change I tire. I pull up and offer my assistance as well, but they were all set.

Moral of the story - guess what CSP actually uses their cruisers off duty to help motorist and respond to simple things...so other troopers on the road don't have to waste their time if they can avoid it. Troop G is a VERY busy barracks...any help they can get is nice.


Thank you, I am a self righteous person

I support the idea of takes homes. If this is what the CSP encourage then good for them. However, if they are going to b!tch about gas then time to re think the SOP for operating a take home. I was not aware that their cruisers did not have cages but the whole point of a take home is so that on your way too and from work and if your on a on-call status you would be able to respond quicker, provide more visibility and be able to provide assistance on your way to/from your shift. Thats how most agencies that I am familiar with that use take homes operate, to my understanding.


In regards to your story, would you not have stopped if you were in your personal vehicle, if the trooper was not there? Whats the difference if a trooper is in his/her personal vehicle? I help old ladies all the time change their tires if they get stuck, its being a decent citizen and neighbor. I assume that the primary role of the take home for the CSP, is to provide minor motor vehicle assistance and low priority service calls.

I do not agree that you should respond to calls in a t-shirt and jeans/shorts/ bathing suite, whatever. If you operate a police vehicle you should be in uniform. If you want to wear civi gear then operate your personal vehicle. If the sh!t was ever to hit the fan, the last thing I would want to be doing is responding to a call unequipped and improperly dressed. How do you wear a duty belt with gym shorts?

I am not knocking this agency or passing judgement, I just see some flaws with what was posted. I see no problem with getting involved on your days/time off if needed. I see nothing wrong with having a take home. I just think there should be some restrictions to its use, which apparently this agency doesnt. That is all, thats it.


Posted by: kttref

Quote:
Originally Posted by HELPMe View Post
Thank you, I am a self righteous person
Glad you realize it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by HELPMe View Post
I support the idea of takes homes. If this is what the CSP encourage then good for them. However, if they are going to b!tch about gas then time to re think the SOP for operating a take home.
It's not the department who is complaining about gas use...it's the Govornor. CSP and the DPS don't care about gas usage, because troopers are always performing their duties.

Quote:
Originally Posted by HELPMe View Post
I was not aware that their cruisers did not have cages but the whole point of a take home is so that on your way too and from work and if your on a on-call status you would be able to respond quicker, provide more visibility and be able to provide assistance on your way to/from your shift. Thats how most agencies that I am familiar with that use take homes operate, to my understanding.
No, that is not the "whole point of a take home." Maybe it is in MA...but not in CT. It's a completely different agency, don't forget that. Again, CSP's take home cruisers are so when troopers are OFF DUTY they can help with various things. Clearly you are not familiar with CSP's use of take homes...so you're understanding of "take homes" is skewed.

Quote:
Originally Posted by HELPMe View Post
In regards to your story, would you not have stopped if you were in your personal vehicle, if the trooper was not there?
Of course I wouldn't stop. It's not my job to stop. If it was someone I know, then that is a different story..which is why I stopped this time - it was someone I knew.

Quote:
Originally Posted by HELPMe View Post
Whats the difference if a trooper is in his/her personal vehicle?
Big difference. In his cruiser, if need be, he can turn lights on. In my (or his) personal car, I don't have any flashing lights to prevent accidents.

Quote:
Originally Posted by HELPMe View Post
I help old ladies all the time change their tires if they get stuck, its being a decent citizen and neighbor. I assume that the primary role of the take home for the CSP, is to provide minor motor vehicle assistance and low priority service calls.
Again, good for you. You're better than me. By the way...you know what happens when you assume things right?

Quote:
Originally Posted by HELPMe View Post
I do not agree that you should respond to calls in a t-shirt and jeans/shorts/ bathing suite, whatever. If you operate a police vehicle you should be in uniform.
They aren't responding to calls. They're stopping on their own time if they see something. They are not dispatched to calls while off duty.

Quote:
Originally Posted by HELPMe View Post
If you operate a police vehicle you should be in uniform. If you want to wear civi gear then operate your personal vehicle. If the sh!t was ever to hit the fan, the last thing I would want to be doing is responding to a call unequipped and improperly dressed. How do you wear a duty belt with gym shorts?
They are also required to keep their duty weapons with them at all time in case the shit hits the fan. Who cares if you're in a uniform or not? As long as you are prepared with the right equipment. Just because you're off duty doesn't mean you are not prepared...I mean, why not start going to the bank in uniform? Your line of thinking is silly.

Quote:
Originally Posted by HELPMe View Post
I am not knocking this agency or passing judgement, I just see some flaws with what was posted. I see no problem with getting involved on your days/time off if needed. I see nothing wrong with having a take home. I just think there should be some restrictions to its use, which apparently this agency doesnt. That is all, thats it.
It kind of seems like you are passing judgement...whether you see it or not. Your self-righteous, "I'm better then them" attitude is wearing thin. Just because it's not the way YOU would do something doesn't make it wrong.


Posted by: CivilServiceNO1Fan

Take home vehicles are a bargained for benefit. The state gets off duty coverage and lower wages. The employee gets a company car and gas. It isn't as simple as "drive less" or "use your own vehicle." If you ever told me not to use a take home car (If I was assigned one) as agreed, my response would be the same as if you told me to skip my vacation this year. I would be looking for either the compensation or greivance. My salary and benefits are a package, approved as a whole. You cannot take any back under a valid CBA without bargaining it out. This benefit was included in determining a living wage for the troopers, and given the current gas prices, that bargaining is going to be expensive! I'm guessing take homes are in the CSP CBA.

I don't stop to help Joe Motorist with his overheated engine in my POV. I also don't stop to help people with flat tires off duty. I don't know who these folks are, why they are stuck, or what they are in the middle of. When I am on duty, I treat disabled M/V's as a traffic stop until they prove differently. Not knocking your desires to be a good samaritan, just not my cup of tea.

Oh, and by the way, if the S hits the F, I don't care who you are, what you are wearing, driving, etc, so long as you are on MY side, know your stuff, can hold your own, and God Forbid it becomes necessary, that you are a good shot.


Posted by: MACACO

i know a department that their chief regulated the amount of miles that were put on cruisers per shift. The patrol cruisers were only allowed 30 miles per shift, and the radar cruiser was allowed 15 miles per shift. (the town is 8 square miles, 10,000 pop est.)

talk about unmotivated cops....


Posted by: USMCMP5811

Quote:
Originally Posted by MACACO View Post
i know a department that their chief regulated the amount of miles that were put on cruisers per shift. The patrol cruisers were only allowed 30 miles per shift, and the radar cruiser was allowed 15 miles per shift. (the town is 8 square miles, 10,000 pop est.)

talk about unmotivated cops....


Sounds like the town of Hopedale.....




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