NCJ Number
12492
Date Published
1974
Length
6 pages
Annotation
EXTENT AND NATURE OF THE PROBLEMS THAT FIFTEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ARE EXPERIENCING AS A RESULT OF THE ENERGY CRISIS.
Abstract
THE QUESTIONNAIRE INQUIRED INTO THREE AREAS OF INTEREST OPERATIONS, PLANS, AND CRIME IMPACT. RESPONSES INDICATE THAT THE ENERGY CRISIS HAS HAD SOME IMPACT ON LAW ENFORCEMENT, THE NATURE OF WHICH VARIES BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA. THERE HAVE BEEN SOME INCREASES IN CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED WITH GASOLINE SHORTAGES, AND SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS ARE BEGINNING TO EXPERIENCE A GREATER DEMAND FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL AND PEACE KEEPING SUPPORT AT SERVICE STATIONS. THE FOLLOW-UP INDICATES GROWING LAW ENFORCEMENT INVOLVEMENT, PARTICULARLY IN THE LARGE METROPOLITAN AREAS OF THE NORTHEAST, SOUTH, AND WEST COAST. MOST AGENCIES HAVE INSTITUTED CONSERVATION MEASURES TO COPE WITH EITHER GASOLINE SHORTAGES OR BUDGETARY PROBLEMS. AGENCIES WHOSE NORMAL METHOD OF SUPPLY IS FROM RETAIL STATIONS ARE EXPERIENCING THE GREATEST DIFFICULTIES IN OBTAINING GAS. INCLUDED IS A CHART OF AGENCY CHARACTERISTICS BY REGION, SHOWING AGENCY AND AREA POPULATION, TYPE OF OPERATION. METHOD OF GAS PURCHASE, AND THE EXISTENCE OF BUDGET OR SUPPLY PROBLEMS, FUEL CONSERVATION PROGRAMS, OR EMERGENCY ENERGY PLANS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)