Governor proposes 24-7 patrolling on highways
Plan would strengthen State Police and beef up crime-fighting
Salem, OR—Governor Ted Kulongoski announced today that he will propose a program to the 2007 Legislature that will strengthen the Oregon State Police by providing 24-hour, seven-days-a-week patrol coverage on Oregon’s highways, and beefing up criminal investigation and crime-lab services to fight meth trafficking, ID theft and other crimes.
“We must restore full capability to the Oregon State Police,” the Governor said. “For the sake of our troopers, and for the safety of our citizens, we must rebuild this critical agency. I am committed to fighting for the safety of our communities and adequate investment in our State Police.”
The Governor made his announcement at a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Oregon State Police. He praised the service, bravery and dedication of those serving Oregon’s communities and said that we should honor them not just with words, but by adequately investing in their critical work.
In 1979, the State Police had 665 sworn, fulltime troopers, the Governor pointed out. Because of successive budget cutbacks during the past 27 years, the agency now has only 333—about half as many, even though the state’s population has grown by more than a million, or 40 percent.
“To continue to limp along with just half the state troopers we had nearly three decades ago is unthinkable, and in my view unacceptable,” the Governor told a luncheon gathering of troopers, their families and retirees, marking the agency’s 75th anniversary.
“Nowhere in Oregon can we provide 24-hour coverage of state highways, seven days a week,” the Governor said. “Cutbacks have forced the State Police to patrol bigger areas, eliminate duties, make response times longer, and compromise the safety of its officers.”
The Governor worked with state Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem) and House Speaker Karen Minnis (R-Wood Village) earlier this year to secure approval by the Legislature’s Emergency Board of 10 new troopers and nine evidence technicians for the State Police. It’s a start, the Governor said, but the state must do more.
“I will restore 24-hour, seven-day-a-week coverage on Oregon’s highways as soon as possible,” the Governor said. “Oregonians deserve to feel safe on our roads. And they’re entitled to expect timely medical and life-saving help when accidents occur. This is a basic public service that we must not neglect any longer.”
The Governor also wants to strengthen the Criminal Investigation Division and the Forensic Services Division to fight crime in Oregon—especially sexual predators, ID thieves, and meth traffickers.
“Local law enforcement agencies have done a superb job of fighting crime in this state—especially meth crimes and ID theft—but they need more help from the state,” the Governor said. “In particular, they need more intensive engagement by the Oregon State Police. I’m determined to ensure the State Police get the resources they need.”
The Governor’s next budget will include money to begin restoring 24/7 patrol coverage of Oregon’s roads and highways by the State Police, he pledged. The goal is not achievable overnight, he said, because the state lacks the capacity to train all the troopers it needs at the same time, but he wants to act as quickly as possible. Restoring 24/7 coverage will vastly improve traffic safety on the heavily traveled Interstate 5, he said, and will result in more arrests of meth traffickers on the state’s highways.
“I will work with the Legislature to respond the need for more troopers, knowing that we cannot do it all in the next budget period,” the Governor said. “Still, I’m confident the Legislature shares my sense of urgency about this issue. I’m confident that we can work together in a bi-partisan manner to get 24/7 patrol coverage done.”
“They know how valuable State Troopers are in the war against illegal drugs.
They know the value of rapid response to accidents and traffic emergencies.
“And like me, they want our people to be safe—both in their communities and on the highway.”
Media Contacts:
Lonn Hoklin: 503.378.6169
Charlie Burr: 503.378.6496
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