Training period trimmed for Texas troopers

DPS Trooper

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas Department of Public Safety is reducing the length of academy training for troopers by nine weeks in an effort to attract more recruits and save money.

DPS Director Steve McCraw says cutting the trooper training period to 18 weeks has been approved by the agency’s governing board.

“We can provide superior training at less cost, in less time, and it’s far easier for us to recruit,” said McCraw, who says many recruits will not commit to a training course lasting more than seven months.

“We determined we can be much more competitive in recruiting, in college and the military in an 18-week school and one that’s not done just once or twice a year,” he said.

DPS has nearly 400 vacancies. Much of the training that was removed related to gaining an intermediate police officer rating, which also requires six years of experience, McCraw told the Houston Chronicle.

The Public Safety Commission also approved an eight-week school for certified peace officers who want to join the DPS, he said.

The training cut is supported by the 3,300-member DPS Officers Association, whose leaders say large Texas police departments offer higher salaries and allow trainees to live at home.

The DPS academy is in Austin and trainees must live in barracks.

State Rep. Hubert Vo, D-Houston, said Tuesday he plans to make further inquiries.

“My main focus is we’re not reducing the safety of the public by reducing the training time, and I don’t think we are,” Vo said.

Probationary troopers are paired with experienced officers for six months after graduation.
___
On the Net:
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us
___
Information from: Houston Chronicle, http://www.houstonchronicle.com