From the beginning of 2017 to the end of 2021, the Highway Patrol has hired 113 people. Within that period of time, 44 have resigned or been terminated. Photo: Nick Sulzer // Buckrail

WYOMING — The Wyoming Highway Patrol recently released data from their 2021 activity report.

In 2021, Troopers stopped a total of 104,615 vehicles. Of those stopped, 29,506 speeding citations and 56,162 warnings were issued to passenger vehicles. Troopers investigated 4, 779 car accidents and 720 impaired drivers were arrested. Thirty stolen vehicles were recovered.
Wyoming Highway Patrol Troopers seized 24.5 pounds of Fentanyl, 7,200 pounds of Marijuana, 207 pounds of Methamphetamine, and 5 pounds of Cocaine.
The total number of events processed in dispatch was 159,532. According to Wyoming Highway Patrol, each event requires multiple radio transmissions, phone calls, and data input into the Computer Aided Dispatch System. These events included 2,981 drunk driver reports and two Amber alerts.
“Despite being down 35 Troopers, 12 Dispatchers and 13 Port of Entry Officer’s, everyone is working extra hours to get the job done serving the public, said Wyoming Highway Patrol Colonel Kebin Haller. “I couldn’t be more proud of your achievements.”
In December, The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reported that the Wyoming Highway Patrol is struggling to retain and recruit staff due to low wages.

“Relocation allowances, sign-on bonuses, step increases in pay and competitive compensation packages are being offered to get the best applicants for their agency. The Wyoming Highway Patrol is suffering because we don’t offer any of these to our employees!” Wyoming Highway Patrol Association President Sgt. Duane Ellis wrote in a letter posted to the association’s Facebook page. “Many agencies in Wyoming and surrounding states are gaining employees due to the WHP’s inabilities to retain or attract quality candidates. Salaries are well below many local agencies, along with private companies.”

From the beginning of 2017 to the end of 2021, the Highway Patrol has hired 113 people. Within that period of time, 44 have resigned or been terminated, Ellis said – a 39% attrition rate. A full staff is 208 sworn members, 47 dispatchers and 97 port of entry officers. According to Ellis, 178 troopers have left the WHP since 2010.

Lindsay Vallen is a Community News Reporter covering a little bit of everything; with an interest in politics, wildlife, and amplifying community voices. Originally from the east coast, Lindsay has called Wilson, Wyoming home since 2017. In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding, hiking, cooking, and completing the Jackson Hole Daily crosswords.