State Police Feel Economic Downturn[Audio]

KPEL news has learned State Police has been forced to cancel it's academy class because of lack of funding.  In fact, there hasn't been an academy class in two years because the economic downturn.

 On average, fifty troopers graduate from the academy.  Currently there are 11-hundred troopers and that number is dwindling with attrition and no new cadets.

Superintendent of Public Safety Colonel Mike Edmonson tells KPEL news he fights for funding every year. 

The majority of funding for public safety and State Police comes from gaming , motor vehicles, and the cigarette tax.  Gaming and motor vehicle revenues are down.

The tough budget has forced Colonel Edmonson to prioritize a great deal.  State Police has formed partnerships with sheriffs and police chiefs throughout the state.  In addition, Colonel Edmonson has strategically placed troopers in higher crime and higher populated areas.

Despite the belt tightening, fatalities and crashes with injuries have been reduced for a third year in a row and D.W.I. arrests have gone up for a third year in row.

Colonel Edmonson adds he's hopeful that he will be able to hold an academy by 2012 when the state comes out of the economic downturn.