Georgetown, Del., Jan. 30, 2008: Sussex County Council has made its first Fiscal 2008 payment to the Delaware State Police for more troopers and patrol cars, part of a multi-year contract for additional policing services.

County Council, at its Tuesday, Jan. 29, meeting, presented a $578,530 check to the state police that will help pay the cost of 11 police cars and fund the partial salaries of 36 troopers.

“In Fiscal 2008, the County once again has budgeted funds, $1.6 million, to support the state police program here in the county,” said County Finance Director Susan M. Webb. “We’re pleased to make this investment in public safety on behalf of the citizens of Sussex County.”

Sussex County and the Delaware State Police in October 2007 agreed to a new five-year contract that will add 20 additional troopers to the county by 2013. The County will pay the State an estimated $4.1 million during the contract period to pay for equipment, patrol cars and the partial salaries of 20 new troopers, all to be assigned to Sussex County troops.

The agreement is the third pact of its kind since 1995, when Sussex County began contracting with the State for additional troopers. Thus far, previous contracts totaling approximately $7 million have added 32 troopers beyond the complement already assigned to the county. When this contract is fully realized, the 20 new troopers will bring to 52 the total number of additional officers assigned to Sussex County thanks to the County government’s efforts.

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