Close the Highway Patrol pay gap

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This underscores the need to boost pay for an agency that finds itself in the unfamiliar position of having to compete with — and often lose to — other law enforcement agencies for young officers.

South Carolina's trooper ranks are historically thin for two reasons. First — and most obvious — the comparatively low pay is unappealing. Second, budget cuts have deprived the agency of its full, regular trooper classes.

The Highway Patrol has been regarded by many as the state's elite law enforcement agency. But that currency is all but dashed by this fact: first-year troopers make only $26,632. Not only does that lag behind other states, it often compares unfavorably to salaries offered by municipal and county law enforcement in this state.

South Carolina owes a significant commitment to the Highway Patrol to repair the damage of four years of budget cuts that have left the agency with nearly 200 fewer troopers today than in 2000.

A portion of Gov. Mark Sanford's executive budget, released before this study, had already identified this shortage and earmarked $32 million to address personnel shortages in the state's public safety agencies. The plan adds 100 troopers and devotes millions of dollars for new equipment. Key lawmakers have embraced the governor's plan, giving it a promising shot at passing the General Assembly.

This is a critical first step in replenishing the Highway Patrol and making this agency's pay more competitive with what our neighbors offer.