[Montgomery, Ala.] The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is facing a $16 million budget cut. House Bill 135 (HB135), the State General Fund Appropriation Bill for Fiscal Year 2016, as introduced, will dramatically impact and alter state law enforcement, threatening the safety of Alabama 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,” Secretary of Law Enforcement Spencer Collier said.
Because of past budget cuts, state law enforcement is already at a critical stage. State Troopers are staffed at 42 percent of the recommended level needed to adequately patrol Alabama roadways. Special Agents are investigating multiple complex criminal cases in multiple jurisdictions. Citizens wait in Driver License lines for hours. The impact of an additional $16 million cut to state law enforcement could include:
- Layoff of up to 100 State Troopers, 25 Special Agents, as well as Aviation and Fleet Support, and two-thirds of non-sworn support personnel
- Closure of 13 State Trooper Posts
- Dissolution of Agricultural & Rural Crimes Unit
- Limiting support and response for events and natural disasters
Secretary Collier continued, “Public safety is not a political issue and should not be subject to standard state agency budget cuts. 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. We ask the citizens of Alabama to contact their Legislators, and voice their support of state law enforcement.”
Created by the Alabama Legislature in Act 2013-67, ALEA was fully implemented on Jan. 1, 2015, representing the consolidation and realignment of 10 state-level law enforcement agencies. During the transition period and the first quarter of 2015, Secretary Collier has led the agency in restructuring efforts and has implemented business practices that will have long-term savings and efficiencies for the state.
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