When asked recently what his spending priorities would be if state revenues exceed projections, Gov. Sam Brownback listed three areas: state hospitals, the prison system and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

In all three of those areas, hiring and retaining sufficient high-quality staff members has been a key concern. In his recent comments, Brownback specifically focused on the Highway Patrol and his desire “to get more highway patrolmen out on the road.” Although the governor didn’t offer a specific plan on how to achieve that goal, he accurately portrayed this as a public safety issue for the state.

The number of state troopers has steadily declined since topping out at 501 in 2006. That number dropped to 410 last year. As of last Friday, the patrol reported 399 troopers on its roster. The lower numbers have affected staffing levels across the state. Twenty-one Kansas counties have no troopers assigned to them. Another 34 counties have only one trooper assigned. Not only are fewer troopers patrolling state highways, but fewer troopers are available to help local law enforcement agencies.

From a high of $96.7 million in 2007, the Highway Patrol’s operating budget has dropped below $80 million in recent years, but money isn’t the only issue. The patrol has many troopers retiring, and recruiting qualified candidates is becoming more difficult.

There is no doubt that the challenges and hazards of working for the Highway Patrol or other law enforcement agencies have grown over the years. Troopers routinely travel alone and face unknown dangers every time they approach a vehicle. They never know when they may be confronted by someone who is unstable or engaged in illegal activity or both. If that person also has a gun handy, the results can be tragic.

Patrol officials are working to recruit new troopers. Legislation passed in 2013 provided funding that will guarantee at least one recruit training class a year at the Highway Patrol Training Center in Salina. A new class of 25 recruits will start their classes in July, and applications are being accepted for the next class.

The Kansas Highway Patrol has a proud record of service to the state and has earned a respected spot in the state’s law enforcement system. Hopefully, the state will be able to provide the funding and support that the patrol needs to build an increased force of well-qualified and well-trained troopers.