With nearly 100 new state troopers on the road, Texas DPS is reportedly ending its ‘retire/rehire’ program

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will reportedly be laying off 117 troopers and eliminating 70 positions, according to a new report.

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Officials say this will be done by ending a program the department refers to as ‘retire/rehire,’ one which allowed the rehiring of retired officers.

According to a memo from Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw, officers who are part of the program will be cut from DPS by May 31.

This cutback, agency leaders say, comes after shortfalls in the state budget led to agencies across the board being asked to downsize or cut costs, according to KSAT.

Analysts estimate the downsizing measure could be offset by releasing some of the 97 new troopers, who just completed their training and began patrolling Texas highways as of Friday.

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97 New Highway Patrol Troopers Join Texas DPS Amid Planned Cuts: https://t.co/netd7odWu0 pic.twitter.com/LgKSyx7g6s

— KAMC News (@KAMCNews) December 23, 2017