Kentucky State Police want you to know the rising price of fuel is forcing Kentucky State Police to develop creative enforcement strategies that will offset the impact gas prices are having on the agency budget.

Here's information directly sent to our newsroom from the KSP:

KSP Commissioner Rodney Brewer said fuel prices have been difficult on the agency.

Last month, KSP purchased 160,000 gallons of fuel compared to May 2007 when 170,500 gallons were purchased. The dilemma being that the fuel cost to the agency increased by $132,000 compared to last May for six percent less fuel.

For this reason, KSP developed a summer enforcement campaign that will conserve fuel usage while maintaining the enforcement efforts currently provided.

Operation Safe C.H.E.C.K. (Concentrated Highway Enforcement Checkpoints in Kentucky) is a new enforcement campaign that KSP will roll out July 4th and run through Labor Day Weekend. The campaign will include over 200 road checks statewide during this time period. KSP will utilize collision data to target specific high-crash locations in each post area where high visibility checkpoints will be held.

Reducing the number of roving patrols while increasing stationary checkpoints will decrease the amount of fuel being expended. Increasing the number of checkpoints will allow KSP to continue effective enforcement efforts while conserving fuel. Embracing the concept of deterrence through sustained high visibility enforcement is just one facet of the campaign.

“Regardless of the cost of fuel, you have to provide protection,” said Brewer. “But if there are ways to provide effective law enforcement and save lives while reducing fuel costs, that’s what we’ll try to do.”