Security and protection remain in the forefront of America’s attention. When President Bush visited our state in January, he met with law enforcement, including the Ohio State Highway Patrol, to thank them for security efforts since September 11. The new Federal Office of Homeland Security has asked law enforcement agencies across the country to maintain a high level of security.
Recent events, as well as higher traffic volume, have greatly increased demands for trooper services, yet Patrol manpower remains the same. Since 1974, the uniform strength of the Patrol has changed by less than two troopers per county. However, the number of registered vehicles increased 75 percent and roadway miles increased 65 percent in the same time in Ohio. The state budget dictates the number of sworn officers permitted in the Patrol.
Of the 50 highway patrols and state police agencies nationwide, the Ohio State Highway Patrol ranks 46th in officers per total population and 47th in officers per registered vehicle. Additional troopers would enable the Patrol to further reduce traffic crashes, apprehend more drunk drivers, and increase basic traffic services, such as helping stranded motorists and apprehending criminals shipping drugs to and through our communities.
In addition to highway safety, the Patrol has taken on new protective service roles since September 11. As Ohio’s only statewide law enforcement officers, Troopers play a unique role in the continued heightened security in Ohio. At the same time, Troopers are maintaining all services provided prior to September 11.
The responsibilities of troopers include enforcing traffic and criminal laws on public roadways, and on state property. To this end, the Patrol maintains a number of officers in specialized law enforcement positions, including: plainclothes investigators, criminal patrol and canine officers, commercial enforcement coordinators, inspectors, and crash reconstructionists. The Patrol also maintains a special response team, comprised of road troopers who are specially trained in weapons and chemical agent use, extraction techniques, and rapid response methods.
Patrol efforts extend even further than enforcement and service, with our Partners for Safety programs in communities throughout the state. Our troopers understand that enforcement alone is not nearly as effective as education coupled with enforcement. Community involvement and education is a vital part of Patrol operations, allowing troopers to reach far more citizens than they encounter on the road. Informed drivers can make educated decisions about their driving habits, which is creating safer roadways in Ohio.
Troopers are meeting today’s protective and enforcement needs, but the Patrol’s current authorized number of sworn officers makes providing these services to the citizens of Ohio a challenge. Increases in overall traffic volume and congestion in the last few years have put new demands on troopers in areas such as road rage and commercial truck safety.
While the Patrol has been given new responsibilities, we continue to make a difference on Ohio roads. Initial numbers show that 32 fewer people died last year on Ohio rural roads and highways than in 2000. Patrol enforcement and education is working, and we intend to continue our efforts to see a reduction in fatalities again this year.
The Patrol has taken pride in providing service to the citizens of Ohio since our beginnings in 1933. The Patrol’s mission "to save lives, investigate crime, and enforce the law with compassion and unbiased professionalism," is what each trooper strives for daily. These are pivotal times in our history and I am confident the Patrol will be able to keep up with Ohio’s ever-changing service needs.
It’s about safety!