Budget cuts at state level threaten ALEA resources
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is facing a $16 million budget cut if a recently introduced bill makes its way through the legislature. Those budget cuts would lead to the closing of 13 State Trooper posts across the state including the Quad-Cities post in Lauderdale County which serves the Franklin County area and residents.
House Bill 135 (HB135), the State General Fund Appropriation Bill for fiscal year 2016, as introduced would dramatically impact and alter state law enforcement, threatening the safety of Alabama citizens, according to ALEA Public Information Officer Johnathan Appling.
“Each day ALEA Troopers patrol 94,786 miles of federal, state, and county roadways throughout Alabama. In addition, ALEA Troopers provide courteous service and protection to 4,783,027 citizens, visitors, and traveling motorists,” Appling said. “The proposed reductions in personnel and operating expenditures will have a devastating effect on the safety of Alabama citizens and those utilizing the roadways.”
State Secretary of Law Enforcement Spencer Collier said the possible cuts could lead to a public safety concern for citizens.
“Providing public safety is a core function of government, and the Alabama Legislature has a responsibility to the citizens of Alabama to safeguard and adequately fund state law enforcement to ensure this mission is met,” Collier said.
A recent study done by the University of Alabama showed that the state is already operating at less than 50 percent of the recommended amount of state troopers across the state.
“The region of Alabama including Franklin County currently has 45 full-time troopers who are patrolling the roadways,” Appling said. “If the proposed budget cuts go through that number would be reduced by 11.”
The impact of an additional $16 million cut to state law enforcement could include a layoff of up to 100 State Troopers, two-thirds of non-sworn support personnel, a closure of 13 State Trooper Posts across the state, a dissolution of the Agricultural & Rural Crimes Unit and a limiting of support and response for events and natural disasters, according to officials.
“Public safety is not a political issue and should not be subject to standard state agency budget cuts,” Collier said. “Whether an Alabamian is commuting to and from work, eating at a restaurant, traveling to a vacation destination or visiting a sick family member or friend at the hospital, public safety affects various aspects of a citizen’s day-to-day life and the overall view of the state.”
