Local News
9:30 a.m. Wednesday- Training period trimmed for Texas troopers
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.
- Local News
-
-
Three-day weekend wraps up summer
Many Hunt County residents will be celebrating the end of summer during a three day holiday designed to honor the American worker.
-
Council hires new police chief
There is a new Chief of the Greenville Police Department.
-
Capital murder trial postponed
The start of the first of what is expected to be two capital murder trials involving a 2008 shooting death in Hunt County has been delayed.
-
Cardiovascular program on horizon for county
A cardiovascular services program could one day be a reality for Hunt Regional Medical Center in Greenville.
-
Local youth reported shot Tuesday night
Tuesday afternoon proved to be violent in Greenville, with a local youth being shot.
- Another rig explodes off La. coast; oil spreading
-
Local industry announces expansion
A local industry is making plans to expand its operations by the end of this year.
-
Caddo Mills ISD teacher to appear on Wheel of Fortune
The faculty, staff and student body of the Caddo Mills Independent School District will have a special reason to watch Wheel of Fortune, as one of their own is slated to participate as a contestant in an upcoming episode.
- 11:45 a.m. Wednesday- Caddo Mills teacher to appear on Wheel of Fortune
-
New power plant could be built in city
Greenville is being considered as the site where a Lufkin-based company intends to build a new power plant, a facility which would put new emphasis on the “green” in Greenville.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Three-day weekend wraps up summer
