Iowa State Troopers Group Head Seeks More Funding

The current standard uniform patch on Iowa State Patrol District commander Lt. Randy Jones at District 11 headquarters Tuesday, July 19. 2005, in southwest Cedar Rapids. The department also has a more subdued patch for the uniforms of its tactical team.

Tools

By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Feb 26, 2013 at 7:16 PM CDT

Story Updated: Feb 26, 2013 at 7:16 PM CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The head of the Iowa State Troopers Association says budget cuts have thinned ranks so much that many counties don't have a trooper on duty overnight.

The Des Moines Register reports that Iowa State Troopers Association President Darin Snedden met with legislators and staffers from the governor's office Tuesday, asking the state to allocate funding to hire an additional 87 troopers.

Snedden says the Iowa State Patrol has 363 troopers, down from 455 in 2000 before repeated budget cuts. He wants the state to hire 29 more troopers a year, for three years. The cost of adding 29 troopers is $4.3 million in the first year and $2.9 million in subsequent years.

Branstad's budget does not include any funding for more troopers.

Next Article At Least 50 People Killed in Oklahoma Tornadoes

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Crime, sexual abuse, property fires, automobile accidents, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.