Arizona is facing a revenue shortage of $1.6 billion for the remainder of FY09. AHPA president Jimmy Chavez, in a recent plea to lawmakers pointed out that The dedicated men and women of DPS, the first line of defense for Arizona citizens, are already in need of more officers and resources.
Phoenix, AZ, January 21, 2009: The Arizona Highway Patrol Association, representing active Department of Public Safety police officers and civilian support personnel, today urged Arizona leaders to consider the Department’s mission in any decision making process regarding the Department”s budget. That mission is: “To protect human life and property by enforcing state law, deterring criminal activity, and assuring highway and public safety and providing vital scientific, technical and operational support to other criminal justice agencies.” Arizona is facing a revenue shortage of $1.6 billion for the remainder of FY09.
The dedicated men and women of DPS, the first line of defense for Arizona citizens, are already in need of more officers and resources. “The incredibly violent, drug turf wars in Mexico have already spilled over into the United States,” said AHPA president Jimmy Chavez. “Our proximity to the border coupled with our need for increased DPS resources puts Arizona at serious risk.”
President Chavez went on to say, however, the AHPA recognizes that now is not the time to ask for more funding. “Our officers and support personnel will continue to hold the line against dangerous criminals as long as we can despite our need for more resources.”
AHPA will approach the legislature with additional funding requests after the economy improves. “But for now,” said President Chavez in a letter to legislators, “we are simply asking that you keep in mind the responsibility our officers and civilians have to ensure the safety of our citizens, when deciding where the budget cuts will have to be made.”
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