Georgia State Patrol recruitment strained as ICE lures candidates, official says

A top public safety official told state lawmakers last week that recruitment in law enforcement faces challenges from local and federal competitors.

Department of Public Safety Commissioner Billy Hitchens told lawmakers that the Georgia State Patrol’s goal of employing 1,000 troopers has partially been impacted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement poaching potential candidates. 

ICE promises a $50,000 signing bonus while Georgia state troopers make a starting salary of $63,684 once they graduate from Trooper School.

“It is important to point out that DPS is recruiting out of the same, shrinking employment pool as our local and federal partners. Some agencies like ICE pay a $50,000 signing bonus, and we have lost a few employees to ICE because of that,” Hitchens said.

Hitchens highlighted pay increases as a reason the Georgia State Patrol has been able to recruit and retain troopers.

The Georgia State Patrol has 864 troopers with an additional 80 in training.

“We continue to have stringent standards to ensure we have the most qualified candidates. If you don’t meet those standards, our agency doesn’t want you in our ranks,” he said. “The reality is that our troopers and officers miss countless family gatherings, birthday celebrations and children’s events because they understand the magnitude of the oath they took to ensure public safety.”