Economy limiting services of local police

"The recession is altering local law enforcement in the U.S. by forcing some agencies to close precincts, merge with other departments or even shut down.

Once largely spared from the deepest budget cuts, some police departments are struggling to provide basic services, police officials say.

"For the first time, because of the economy, police departments ... may have to change how they do business," says Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, a law enforcement think tank. "People will see a change in the basic delivery of services," from longer police response times to a dramatically reduced police presence in some communities..."

Told ya... Where do you see this leading??? 

increased real crime, more tickets (more tickets, more revenue).  when there's a traffic accident, no matter how small, someone always gets a ticket (here where they're known for it).  that's money in the county's pocket. 

Same situation over here in these parts ....I work at the courthouse and I have been hearing this for some while now....downsizing the sheriff's dept. and local law enforcement......crime is up...especially B & E's......people are getting bolder and bolder in how to get their hands on ready cash.

And like Satori mentioned....here now, if a hispanic is caught driving without a licsense, he is jailed and sent to the deportation center....alot of waiting time and jails crowding up, but it generates alot of income for the local authorities....the jails in each county make money on a daily basis as long as they have a deportee...