Toll-Free: 888-907-2631
Phone: 540-341-0007
Staffing shortages have plagued the Virginia State Police for years. Many troopers have retired or left, and all police academies in 2009 were cancelled to save money.
The state police have 2,080 authorized sworn positions, which range from troopers to special agents to supervisors. The agency is now down 227 positions and putting a lot of pressure on troopers to work extra time.
"It's good to have overtime money," said Senior Trooper James Russo, a 37-year-old father of two. "You sign up as fast as you can with no pay raises."
After years without raises and diminished overtime pay, many troopers pick up an extra shift or two to compensate, the HamptonRoads.com report says.
State police have duties other than patrolling highways. Court appearances can tie them up for hours: 2-3 hours for a DUI case and up to 4 hours for a serious crash or fatality. Some troopers are also members of dive or tactical teams.
Russo said he was among 4,000 applicants to the academy in 1996; only 130-140 were accepted. "It is frustrating for a motorist to call us and we have nobody in that area to come and help them," he added.
For drivers, the current shortage translates to a reduced presence on the streets and fewer tickets issued.
