Department of Public Safety seeks funding for staffing, Axon upgrades and telecom console replacements

Director Woods of the Department of Public Safety told the Senate subcommittee the agency requires a mix of recurring and one‑time funds to sustain staffing gains and to replace aging technology.

Woods opened by thanking the committee and naming his leadership team (Mike Oliver, Colonel Williamson, Carl Boston, Julie Jeffers, Phil Riley, Michael Thompson). He said pay increases and investment have stabilized recruitment but gaps remain; staff must be equipped for a dangerous job.

Key recurring requests included roughly $1.7 million for agency career‑path pay steps and about $4.8 million recurring for additional FTEs in the Bureau of Protective Services (including telecommunications operators, law officers and supervisors). Woods said these positions respond to a security assessment of the Capitol Complex and Governor’s Mansion that identified fixed security posts needing staffing.

Woods asked for roughly $1.1 million to cover increases in workers’ compensation and insurance reserves (a 207% premium increase since 2021–22 raised liabilities to about $4.9 million). He requested $2.7 million to fund state transport police operating costs, noting federal Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) formula funds cover most wages but other earmarked revenues (fines, registration fees) have fallen.

On equipment, Woods requested about $1.9 million recurring for patrol‑car equipment and upgrades to the Axon Evidence system (move to a pro license to marry body‑worn and in‑car video and enable automated redaction). He also asked for a nonrecurring ~$6.9 million to replace three telecommunications consoles ahead of equipment end‑of‑life by 2030 and a $1 million nonrecurring radio replacement cycle item.

Woods said the statewide body‑worn camera program remains underfunded: currently $2.4 million is appropriated but average annual requests total about $10 million; he asked to add $7.6 million to fully fund typical demand and requested $5 million in federal budget authority for a statewide crash‑collection system.

During Q&A, senators clarified that the DMV air‑handler replacement is budgeted in DPS because the agency owns the building and confirmed the body‑worn camera funds flow from the Public Safety Coordinating Council through DPS for management. Woods noted some items are administered as pass‑throughs rather than direct DPS operating programs.

The committee did not take votes at the hearing; directors presented requests and fielded questions that will inform later budget negotiations.