Will Gov. Patrick whack another official?
The State Police union has urged Governor Deval Patrick to order an independent audit of the agency to investigate its complaint that the force is top heavy, with too many highly paid superior officers and not enough troopers.In a report submitted to Patrick in March and obtained by the Globe last week, the union, which represents sergeants and troopers, said State Police management has swelled since the 1990s. It estimated that the state could save $1 million to $7 million annually through “the reduction of patronage ranks, elimination of redundant positions, or the downgrading of certain positions.’’
“If there is any waste at the top with overstaffing of management, then I’d like to find that out,’’ said Richard R. Brown, president of the State Police Association of Massachusetts, during an interview last week. “That money could be used to put more boots on the street. We shouldn’t be laying off any troopers if there is waste at the top.’’
The State Police narrowly averted massive layoffs last month and had to scrap plans to add more troopers this year because of budget cuts. The department, which presently has 2,278 sworn officers, has not hired any new recruits in three years. It has lost 261 sworn officers during that time due to attrition.
Colonel Mark F. Delaney, who heads the State Police, disputed the union’s claim of management overstaffing during a phone interview Friday and said he advised the Patrick administration that an audit was unnecessary.
“I don’t think we need any outsiders telling us how to run this agency,’’ Delaney said. “I think our numbers are right on. I know this agency inside out and how to manage it and how to run it.’’
Delaney said he’s “a strong believer in accountability and close supervision of a police agency’’ and that current staffing levels are required to supervise an agency the size of the State Police.
“I agree with the union that we need more troopers and look forward to the day when we can add a class [of recruits],’’ Delaney said. “But management is even more challenging during these tough economic times to make ends meet.’’
UPDATE: Why Gov. Patrick could secure a second term. Plus, more from the Herald and the AP.
SECOND UPDATE: More from the Boston Herald and Mary Connaughton.
THIRD UPDATE: From the Herald and Globe.