KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM/FM) — Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller says he’s concerned about a $1 million drop in a state fund that supplies money for secondary road patrols.
Since 1979, the state has been pooling dollars generated by traffic stop tickets, then redistributing the money to police agencies and sheriff’s offices to help pay for officers that watch for traffic violations.
“Those dollars have decreased because there are fewer and fewer police officers and fewer and fewer traffic stops being made,” Fuller said.
That’s happening while complaints for violations, like texting-while-driving, are on the rise, Fuller said.
Fuller is expecting around $20,000 less.
“Ultimately, that could mean the loss of one position,” Fuller said.
He warns reductions could feel more severe in counties with more area to cover but smaller populations.
