Sheriffs Unhappy With State Trooper Cuts
Mich. Sheriff's Conference Kicks Off In Frankenmuth
POSTED: 5:47 pm EDT June 8,
2009
UPDATED: 7:24 pm EDT June 8,
2009
FRANKENMUTH, Mich. -- The state’s budge woes were foremost on the minds as sheriffs from across Michigan met in Frankenmuth Monday.Roughly 100 state troopers are being cut to help the state meet its budget responsibilities.Local deputies said the slashed jobs are already having an effect on their ability to keep crime off the streets.Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel is preparing for the worst.He and his staff will have their plates full when state troopers in Saginaw County loose their jobs.It’s all part of an executive order from Gov. Jennifer Granholm to balance the budget."So when the state police are not around to handle the calls, that falls directly to me as the sheriff,” said Federspiel. “We are concerned as an office as to how that will play out."Federspiel isn't the only one worried about how the executive order will play out.About 150 people attended the Michigan Sheriff's Association Summer Conference in Frankenmuth.The conference is designed to train and address growing concerns in law enforcement. On many minds this year -- recent budget cuts to law enforcement.Midland County sheriff Jerry Nielsen was on hand and he said the cuts pose a safety risk."It’s going to impact all of the community,” said Nielsen. “The more law enforcement you have out there the better feel and pulse you get on criminal activity.”At the end of the conference, the officers hope what’s learned this week in training will help them for the tough road ahead.Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn was the keynote speaker for the Sheriff’s Association event.She is one of several candidates seeking the Republican nomination for governor.
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