Texas DPS Criticized for Laying Off Older Officers
Our news partners at KWTX shared details about Texas DPS laying off 117 officers under their 'retire/rehire' program this week.
Many are upset over the sudden news about cuts to a program that has been a part of Texas since 2002. Retire/rehire was put into motion when the number of new officers entering the department was falling way to low. They would allow older officers to retire, then rehire those same people so they could earn both retirement pay and a salary.
Suddenly the department has announced those older officers under that program are now going to be let go in May as a means of cutting the budget.
A meeting is scheduled to discuss the elimination of the retire/rehire program in February. State Rep. Phil King says the Public Safety Committee is focused on hiring new troopers for the department's future.