FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 6, 2006
Contact: Rep. Quincy Murphy, 706-790-4600 or qmurphy@bellsouth.net

Rep. Murphy calls for better pay for law enforcement
Recruiting is a problem because of low salaries and long hours

State Rep. Quincy Murphy is calling for better pay for Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies, Georgia State Patrol troopers and Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents. It was recently reported in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that officers are leaving the state in droves because of low salaries and long hours.

Instead, they are choosing to work in the private sector or for the federal government where they can get better paying jobs and work fewer hours.

“We can not afford to have these fine men and women who are experienced at protecting us leave when they are desperately needed,” said Murphy. “In the Augusta area, we are seeing an increase in criminal gang activity, and we cannot afford to lose law enforcement officers. I pledge to continue to work hard to increase their pay because I realize what a sacrifice they are making and the positive impact they have on our community. They deserve better and should not be overlooked by our leaders at the State Capitol.”

As stated in the AJC article, Col. Bill Hitchens, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said the State Patrol struggles just to recruit. Not only is there a problem keeping troopers and radio operators, it's hard to find interested candidates upfront. Almost 20 percent of trooper positions are vacant.

Also according to the AJC article, GBI agents can make almost twice as much with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

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