GREENSBORO, N.C. — Greensboro Police officers are now allowed to take their cruisers home during their four-day, on-duty shift.
The policy went into effect on Dec. 2, according to a memo released by the city manager’s office. Police currently work four days on and four days off.
The main reason given in Chief Ken Miller’s memo for the change is to increase police visibility. It’s up to each officer whether they want to participate, but Chief Ken Miller estimated there will be 40-50 more marked cars traveling through neighborhoods each day.
Another reason Miller gave for the change is about 90 minutes more time on patrol. Officers spend about 30 minutes each day loading and unloading equipment from their assigned vehicles, Miller said.
Miller also cited reduced overtime as another benefit.
Capt. Mike Richey said the new policy also gives police leverage when recruiting new officers.
“We are in a very limited pool of hiring candidates, and we are competing because our salaries are very comperable in this region. By allowing officers to take home cars, that can be as much as a 10 percent benefit,” Richey said.
The policy change is estimated to cost between $50,000 and 55,000 in fuel, but Miller said it was “a good investment based on the increased efficiencies it provides.”
