By Dave Thompson
Bismarck, ND – The Superintendent of the North Dakota Highway Patrol says he will likely ask the next Legislature for more officers.
Col. Jim Hughes says Patrol numbers have remained the same for a number of years -- at about 120 officers. But Hughes says the demands continue to increase.
"You know, every time you open up an Alerus center, an Engelstad arena, our officers become more involved. Bridges will be built at New Town, there's oil activity. And with the number of officers we have, it's just pulling them in every other direction. Increased traffic, increased truck traffic, and a lot of assistance that we provide around the state to local law enforcement, and training -- we're on the front line day and night. And it's a big state."
Hughes says add to that increased security because of the terrorist threats -- and you have a force that can do the job, but is stretched to the limit.