The president of the Arizona State Troopers Association says hundreds of positions remain vacant inside the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Jeff Hawkins is president of the labor association. He said that salaries for jobs inside the DPS aren’t competitive, and around 500 positions remain unfilled.
“Our issues that we’re dealing with are even more severe. Our pay is now 28% behind market, and we’re in dire straits here at the Department of Public Safety," Hawkins said.
The association has voiced concerns over the state of DPS several times in recent months. Hawkins said the association plans to meet with Gov. Katie Hobbs in hopes of constructing a multi-year plan that addresses pay discrepancies, benefits issues and working conditions within DPS.
“That legislative session came to an end and they addressed zero of our issues," Hawkins said.
He said it would take about $36 million to make their salaries competitive.
Gov. Hobbs’ office did not immediately return calls for comment.
