Association says budget cuts are responsible; State Police officials decline comment on academy classes

The State Police Association sent a letter Monday saying that the 2010 State Police Academy classes have been canceled because of budget cuts, KOAT-TV reported.

The station said the State Police would not comment, but the agency’s Web site states that classes have been postponed with no future dates in mind.

The State Police would be without 100 new officers and unable to fill at least 100 vacancies if the classes are cut, according to KOAT-TV.

Valencia County Sheriff Rene Rivera, who relies heavily on State Police for help on a daily basis, is worried about what might happen with no new recruits, the station reported.

“Manpower is always a concern,” he told the station. “When we’re overwhelmed with calls, State Police comes out and assists us in responding to the calls or backing up the deputies.”

KOAT-TV said the sheriff also is concerned that State Police could relocate officers from his area to another county that needs more help.

The station said officials would not comment on recruiting, but said it is a budget issue. A spokesperson told Action 7 News that more information will be available later this week.