Bicycle patrols had been tried some years ago, but because of issues similar to those in Milton — staffing, response time and mutual aid calls — are no longer a factor.

Milton’s four-car fleet includes three that have features designed to increase their mileage, Lutcher said.

“Our two Chargers run on four cylinders when they don’t need the power of all eight, and our Impala goes from six down to three,” Lutcher said.

When the department is back to its full complement of officers, Lutcher hopes to reinstitute bike patrols. The department, which operates on four daily shifts, is down one officer right now. The police contract requires two officers on duty from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.

“Right now, when we have only one officer on duty, it’s an issue of response time and mutual aid calls,” he said. “An officer needs to be able to respond quickly.”

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