Losing Troopers: Virginia State Police hit hard by budget cuts
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Angela Hatcher
WSLS 10 Reporter/Anchor
Published: November 12, 2008
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Click on a “P” to see maximum staffing and current vacancies at each office, or click the link for a larger map.
Hundreds of faces line the halls of the Virginia State Police Academy. They are the faces of Troopers from the last 75 years but their ranks are dwindling.
“Even when we started 75 years ago we needed 100 more troopers.“, says Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller.
The times have changed drastically and so has the demand. According to a State Police manpower study, the department needs nearly 600 new troopers now to combat growing threats like terrorism, internet crime and identity theft.
“We’ve had to fulfill those responsibilities by drawing from our core mission which is road safety, highway safety. Taking more and more troopers off the road to fulfill these other specialties.“, says Geller.
The next academy has been postponed twice, for lack of money. Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corrine Geller can only say they’re hopeful the academy will finally happen in April.
“We are recognizing the fact that we need to hold a class because we cannot reinforce our ranks without having new Trooper classes held.“, says Geller
The department saves $250 thousand each month the classrooms and beds sit empty at the academy.
The 2008-2009 VSP budget was slashed $7.5 million under cuts ordered by Governor Tim Kaine. The department won’t know how much will be cut from next year’s budget until December.
“To cut further would definitely have an affect on our public safety for Virginians and the services we provide.“, says Geller.
In 2007 and so far in 2008, 213 troopers have retired or left State Police. Four academies were held in that same time period, graduating 225 new troopers. They got ahead but just barely and are still no where near having the number they want.
“If our vacancies continue to build and we are not able to replenish those vacancies there will some effects the public can expect to see in the long run down the road .“, says Geller.
Fewer Troopers means longer response times.
“Our guys do everything they can to get there because we recognize the safety hazard that exists, but it is a matter of they can only be so many places at one time.“, says Geller. “Probably the general public does not realize that we do not have 24-7 coverage.“
The General Assembly says Virginia State Police can have more troopers, it’s just not paying for them. The General Assembly has authorized 2,004 Troopers but is only funding 1,896 of those positions. So that means, there are 108 positions that could be filled if the money was there.
State Police are not hiring and are not promoting within the ranks. New recruits are getting letters informing them of postponed academy dates but fortunately there have been no layoffs.
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Posted by ( Vindicator ) on November 13, 2008 at 4:37 pm
I understand where you’re coming from.
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Posted by ( fitness4u ) on November 13, 2008 at 4:28 pm
(Vindicator) Yes, I know what there job is and I understand a law is a law but in the same sense I’m not a criminal and don’t want to be treated as such!!! I just was not aware of this law and the charges!!!!!!!!!
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Posted by ( Vindicator ) on November 13, 2008 at 3:24 pm
(fitness4u) Not trying to be a smart butt here, but the Virginia State Troopers’ number one job is supposed to be to enforce the traffic laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. There was a law written and passed some time back to try and protect them while doing their job. The Virginia law states: Pull to the curb and yield the right-of-way to all approaching emergency vehicles. When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, you must change lanes or proceed with caution. This law was passed for the safety of all Public Safety Emergency Personnel. It doesn’t make your situation any better I know, but the law was written to protect those who protect us.
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Posted by ( fitness4u ) on November 13, 2008 at 12:37 pm
I hate to see anyone lose there jobs however we have alot of state troopers who are out here just writing tickets. I must explain why I say this. I work in the medical field at two different hospital’s usually about 65 hours a week. I was on my way home from work the other night I was not even going the speed limit afraid of hitting a deer at 10:30 at night. I come up on a state trooper who had a car pulled off the road I did not merge in left lane. He pulls me over and I ask did I know why he explains that I failed to yield to an emergency vehicle on the shoulder of the road this is law! I explained to him that I was not aware of this being the law and apologized he stated it is been in the books for quite a while. He said several troopers had been killed writing tickets and I told the officer that I understood being in the medical field no warning a big ticket. This is a ticket that carries a jail sentence of 1 year and fines of $2500.00. It is a class 1 misdemeanor same as if I had robbed someone. I am out making an honest living don’t do drugs don’t steal all I do is work. I think it’s completely ridiculous!!!!!
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Posted by ( Vindicator ) on November 13, 2008 at 11:28 am
This is a sad commentary towards the leadership of this Commonwealth. Between the Governor and the General Assembly members, law enforcement takes the first beating, followed directly by the citizens they should be out in force protecting. Clean your guns and bar your windows and doors, cause it will be up to YOU to fend for self and family until the Calvary arrives!
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