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Department of Safety seeks $44.9M in increases, requests 50 troopers and more driver‑service staff
Summary
At a budget hearing the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security requested roughly $44.9 million in increases, including 50 additional trooper positions, salary survey funding and 34 driver‑service staff; committee approved the budget to send to finance after lengthy questioning about vacancies, SRO grant reversions and the TACAN radio network.
Commissioner Long and Colonel Matt Perry presented the Department of Safety & Homeland Security budget and staffing request. The commissioner listed line items: statutory salary step raises ($3,297,500); a salary survey for commissioned officers to close market gaps ($19,749,500); 50 additional trooper positions ($17,660,000); a small insurance cleanup ($38,000); 34 driver service staff to reduce wait times ($2,658,800); and annual maintenance for the statewide radio system with Motorola ($1,500,000). "Our total cost increases will be $44,903,800," the commissioner stated.
Committee members pressed on staffing and outcomes. Colonel Matt Perry of the Tennessee Highway Patrol told senators that trooper numbers grew from single‑digits in earlier years to roughly 75 currently and that the department expects to reach roughly 100 if the 50 positions are funded; he highlighted a reported reduction in fatal crashes in Shelby County as an outcome of increased trooper presence: "There was 259 fatal crashes in Shelby County in in 2023... 143 this past year, and that's a massive reduction of fatal crashes." Members asked about vacancies, training costs, retention strategies and why some SRO grant funds were reverting; department staff said reversion was largely due to some districts not participating in the SRO program and that local decisions affect uptake.
Senators also discussed the Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACAN) and the statewide radio build‑out; officials said the network is being completed and provides interoperable communications for first responders. After more questions and discussion the committee moved and approved the department budget to send to finance. Committee discussion recorded a motion to approve the budget and the chair announced the budget passes and goes to finance.
