COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A battle is brewing over money and city safety -- with Columbus police over budget.

The city wants to ground many of the division police helicopters, but the police chief says it could inhibit their ability to arrest fleeing suspects.

Leaders in the Columbus Division of Police delivered a set of memorandums to the Department of Public Safety on Friday, listing suggestions on how to keep the helicopters flying as usual, NBC 4's Mikaela Hunt reported.

A deputy chief commented that major crimes will definitely increase, along with chases and assaults on officers, if chopper hours are cut.

Although the Department of Public Safety hasn't formally reviewed the memos, officials said at least one solution -- which was suggested by the police chief -- won't work.

The solution was a recommendation to use bond money for the purchase of fuel, but by law, the bond money can only be used on permanent improvements.

Police Chief James Jackson wants the city to use money approved for security cameras to pay for the fuel cost spike, saying he believes it would be a better use of the money.

He continued, saying that reducing flight hours is not in the interest of safety for anyone.

There are at least 44 other law enforcement agencies that are holding their breath over the debate as well.

Whitehall police used the Columbus police chopper at least 37 times in the last two years.

"I can say that hardly a day goes by that it's not in the back of an officer's mind in the evening," said Sgt. Joe Huntzinger.

Of the 44 agencies listed, the Franklin County Sheriff's office used the chopper the most -- nearly 200 times.

Delaware County follows, with 43 assists and then Whitehall. With a cutback, Columbus police said they couldn't help other agencies as much.

The Department of Public Safety said it hopes to review the comments in the next few days.

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