Post by WISH on Dec 12, 2009 7:04:05 GMT -5
Troopers offered early retirement deal
Cuts lead to deal for veteran ISP officers
Reporter: Ruthanne Gordon
Editor: Andrew Bonner
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A tight budget has prompted Indiana State Police to try trimming its force.
24-Hour News 8 has learned an offer was put on the table to entice some officers to leave. The new proposal offers a cash incentive to get hundreds of veteran state police officers to retire early.
"There's a plan called a partial lump sum disbursement plan that's eligible for people that can retire now or can retire by March 31 of the new year," said ISP Sgt. Dave Bursten.
Officers with over 20 years on the job packed a mandatory meeting at the Motor Carrier Division on the south side Friday. It's the same place where 40 employees lost their jobs on Monday.
The president of the State Police Alliance, Sergeant Wayne Flick, didn't want to talk about what was happening inside. But Sgt. Bursten said the offer is part of the state plan to cut the budget.
"We are operating off the taxpayers’ dime and we have to make use of it," he said.
Hundreds of state police across the state now have to make big decisions about their futures.
Sgt. Perry Hewitt said at this point in his life, he's not sure if the deal is the right move for him.
"Got my facts and figures, going to crunch some numbers and talk to some financial planners and see how it works," he said.
Major Carlos Pettiford doesn't plan to retire.
"The lump sum will work for some people. It just depends on your financial situation and where you're at in life. I'm still enjoying the job. I like what I'm doing and I plan on working," he said.
Other meetings are scheduled around the state.
Those who qualify for the deal have until February 1 to make a decision.
Cuts lead to deal for veteran ISP officers
Reporter: Ruthanne Gordon
Editor: Andrew Bonner
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A tight budget has prompted Indiana State Police to try trimming its force.
24-Hour News 8 has learned an offer was put on the table to entice some officers to leave. The new proposal offers a cash incentive to get hundreds of veteran state police officers to retire early.
"There's a plan called a partial lump sum disbursement plan that's eligible for people that can retire now or can retire by March 31 of the new year," said ISP Sgt. Dave Bursten.
Officers with over 20 years on the job packed a mandatory meeting at the Motor Carrier Division on the south side Friday. It's the same place where 40 employees lost their jobs on Monday.
The president of the State Police Alliance, Sergeant Wayne Flick, didn't want to talk about what was happening inside. But Sgt. Bursten said the offer is part of the state plan to cut the budget.
"We are operating off the taxpayers’ dime and we have to make use of it," he said.
Hundreds of state police across the state now have to make big decisions about their futures.
Sgt. Perry Hewitt said at this point in his life, he's not sure if the deal is the right move for him.
"Got my facts and figures, going to crunch some numbers and talk to some financial planners and see how it works," he said.
Major Carlos Pettiford doesn't plan to retire.
"The lump sum will work for some people. It just depends on your financial situation and where you're at in life. I'm still enjoying the job. I like what I'm doing and I plan on working," he said.
Other meetings are scheduled around the state.
Those who qualify for the deal have until February 1 to make a decision.