Editorial

Oregon State Police needs new mission

The Oregon State Police is a very costly agency that is in desperate need of reform. But it is politically powerful, so change is unlikely.

Recently, we learned that despite past promises to the legislature, OSP has received higher budgets and not put one more trooper on the road. Even a line-item budget entry approving additional troopers was ignored by the agency, which failed to comply with a legislative directive signed into law by the governor.

Instead, top OSP brass use agency aircraft to fly off on Idaho fishing trips. This signals a bureaucracy out of control.

A key function of OSP in the past, assisting stranded and isolated motorists, has been virtually eliminated by the proliferation of cell phones.

As to highway law enforcement, OSP troopers cost much more than local deputies, from 1.3 to 1.5 to one in some areas. We could have four county deputies for what we pay three OSP troopers. That's a good trade off. More deputies would be available for other law enforcement services.

There is a role for OSP, but one far different from today. The OSP crime lab provides services that cannot be duplicated by small local agencies. OSP should supervise all police training in the state, providing uniform and top-notch instruction for every officer who enforces our laws. And OSP should have the responsibility of investigating corrupt police departments or bad cops.

But having troopers on the highway is a waste of money and a waste of time. The legislature should give that money to local law enforcement, where it would be more effectively used.

E.D.

Support Sheriff's Levy

Sisters-area voters should support the three-year, split-rate levy to fund sheriff's services.

The levy, which includes no tax increase, supports deputies in the field. It continues innovative and cost-effective programs, such as school resource deputies.

Sheriff Les Stiles has said he can run the office with no cuts in service under this budget. He deserves the chance to prove he can do so.

E.D.