The Associated Press
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - A decrease in the size of New Jersey’s state police force, combined with increased demand in areas like homeland security and counter-terrorism, could “invite catastrophe,” according to one high-ranking state lawmaker.
A study commissioned earlier this year estimated the number of state police vacancies at 500, a number that could grow as the 1986 recruiting class heads toward retirement.
From a high of 3,035 troopers at the start of 1990, the size of the force has dropped to 2,694. State trooper union officials blame the decrease on attrition rates that were ignored for years.
Officials are concerned that increased demand from homeland security, counter-terrorism, street gang units and city patrols could stretch the force thin.
“We’re inviting catastrophe,” Assembly Speaker Albio Sires, D-Hudson, told The Press of Atlantic City.
Sires sponsored a bill that would allocate $3 million to train 100 additional troopers and $2 million to pay for the replacement of an obsolete communications system. The measure was approved by the Assembly Appropriations Committee last week.
“It’s not a one-shot cure-all for the State Police,” Sires said. “But it will put the agency ahead of the curve in replenishing a work force that is going to experience enormous turnover between now and 2014.”
According to State Police Superintendent Col. Rick Fuentes, studies show that 35 percent of a graduating class retires upon 25 years of service and the rest retire by 30 years. Fuentes told the Appropriations Committee last week that the number of trooper classes in future years should be proportional to the rate of attrition.
He proposed three additional trooper classes between now and 2007, and two additional classes in following years.
“I believe this is the first time that we articulated a plan, rather than coming to this committee and trying to increase staffing hand-to-mouth,” Fuentes said.