The Brookfield Police Department is trying to reduce its fleets gasoline costs. The solutions: limiting travel (up to 10%) for 7 to 8 squads on each of shift; turning squad engines off (rather than idling) when stopped; having more foot patrols; and staffng two-'man' squads.
Most of these solutions make sense. But doubling up in squads doesn't seem an effective use of human resources in Brookfield. Two-'man' squads are generally used in areas subject to more violent crimes - where crowd control is needed.
Each week, our local paper carries police reports. The city usually has about 20 reports of burglary, vandalism and other crimes each week. Crime takes place at homes and businesses throughout the city. But Brookfield's "mall" is a common single location for crime. Increasing the visiblility of police at Brookfield Square, and a patrol of the perimenter could prevent crime from happening.
Enforcing the speed limits on city streets could also make our roads safer and generate revenue for the city.
