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