Budget Cuts To Restrict OHP Troopers To 100 Miles A Day

The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety says effective December 1st, OHP troopers will be restricted to 100 miles per day in their patrol cars.

The department says the move is part of several additional cost-saving measures to make up for a budget shortfall for the current 2017 fiscal year.

In addition to cutting back patrol car mileage, Oklahoma Highway Patrol aircraft will have their flight time reduced between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.  And some dispatched operations will also be reduced during the same time period.

DPS commissioner Michael Thompson says these cuts are in addition to ones previously announced earlier this year.  Those cuts included not hiring any new state troopers in 2017 and not filling vital positions such as driver license examiners.

11/10/2016 Related Story: OHP: Lack Of Resources Makes It Hard To Cut Down On Road Rage Issues

“I am asking for the patience and understanding of the public.  These cuts are difficult but necessary in order for DPS to make it through FY2017.  I am very optimistic that the upcoming legislative session will address the budget needs of public safety, a core function of government, to allow DPS and the OHP to meet the needs of the people of Oklahoma. It is imperative that we fix this,” said Michael Thompson.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol currently has 805 troopers statewide, who are responsible for patrolling nearly 112,000 miles of roadways.