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State DPS plans staff increases for local station; troopers cite rising crashes and caseload
Summary
A Department of Public Safety trooper told the court the local DPS station will add officers and said crash volume and drug cases have increased, straining support staff who process reports and records requests.
Trooper Mike Quinell, speaking for Sergeant Brian Bolsby, told the commissioners court the Texas Department of Public Safety plans to increase staffing at the local station from the current eight troopers (with one vacancy) to 13 or 14 troopers, adding roughly four additional troopers beyond the vacancy. The additional staffing is driven by higher crash volume, increased drug arrests and rising caseloads connected with local construction and traffic increases, he said.
Quinell described strain on administrative support, noting his sergeant’s administrative assistant, Joella, processes numerous open‑records requests and crash reports. He said more troopers will increase Joella’s workload and “it might be another secretary” to handle the volume. Quinell argued that keeping administrative staff is essential to keep troopers on the road: “If we don't have her, it takes us off the highway. And so, in effect, the taxpayers are suffering.”
Court members discussed staffing totals and the timing of incoming troopers. No formal county action was requested or taken during the hearing.
