The Kennett Police Department is taking a stand against the economic crisis facing some cities by finding new means of transportation that will save the city money and be more economic efficient.

The KPD recently purchased a four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle for light patrol duty throughout the city.

Chief of Police Barry Tate said he wishes that his department had a few more of the "Gators" since they are more fuel efficient and allow the department access to areas where its cars can't go.

"Not only are we able to do a little something for the economy," Tate said, "but we are able to patrol some areas that we couldn't necessarily patrol before," he said.

Tate explained that the Gator has been used to patrol housing units, where a car can not maneuver around. "We can drive through a variety of alleys that we couldn't access in our patrol cars before," Tate said. "Having a vehicle like this is a win-win."

Tate explained that although patrolmen who are in the Gator can not set up radar for speeders, they are able to patrol, having an open ear to what is going on around them, as well as respond to various radio calls.

"Of course it's not as fast as a car," Tate said, "and the purpose it serves to us doesn't require it to be."