NC Highway Patrol suspends training for recruits
The North Carolina Highway Patrol has suspended its training academy for new recruits as budget cuts force a hiring freeze.
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The patrol said 38 troopers graduated Friday from the Highway Patrol Basic School in Raleigh. First Sgt. Jeff Gordon says the patrol continues to take applications, but the school is suspended indefinitely because of budget cuts.
The agency's training academy continues to provide firearms, driving and other training sessions for state troopers.
Gordon said the agency has set a tentative date in July 2012 for another training session for new recruits, but the 2012-13 state budget will determine whether classes will be held.
The state pays about $100,000 to put a cadet through the 29-week academy. A trooper must complete 12 more weeks of field training after that.
The Highway Patrol's $197 million budget includes an $8 million reduction for this fiscal year and up to $15 million over the next two years.
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