DPS cuts training time to gain recruits, cut costs | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle
DPS Cuts Training Time to Gain Recruits, Cut Costs
By JAMES PINKERTON
Copyright 2010 Houston Chronicle
Feb. 9, 2010, 9:41PM
The tan cowboy hat and shiny back boots will be the same, but Texas troopers soon will be on the highways with nine fewer weeks of training than their veteran colleagues.
Steve McCraw, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, said reducing the length of academy training will shave costs, increase recruitment and lead to more frequent classes.
“We can provide superior training at less cost, in less time, and it's far easier for us to recruit,“ said McCraw, adding many recruits will not commit to a training course lasting more than 7 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.”
McCraw recently persuaded the DPS governing board to trim the existing 27-week training course to 18 weeks, a move he hopes will help the state police find enough applicants to fill nearly 400 vacancies. He said much of the training that was removed related to gaining an intermediate police officer rating, one which also requires six years of experience.
The Public Safety Commission also approved an eight-week school for certified peace officers who want to join the DPS, McCraw said.
Making it easier
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