Governor Bentley Signs Executive Order Aimed at Increasing Efficiencies
By: Stephen Crews
Updated: June 21, 2012
Governor Robert Bentley on Thursday signed an executive order creating the Integrated State Law Enforcement Task Force, which will look
for ways to increase efficiencies in state-level law enforcement agencies.
Currently,
22 state-level agencies have various law enforcement functions. By
examining those functions and looking for ways to streamline operations,
the Integrated State Law Enforcement Task Force can help reduce
duplications of services and increase government efficiency while
strengthening public safety. The work of the task force will improve
public safety by making sure agencies are coordinating efforts
more closely, sharing information, and consistently working in a
collaborative manner.
The
Integrated State Law Enforcement Task Force will thoroughly evaluate
the missions, functions, services, and tasks of various agencies and
will
make recommendations to the Governor on increased efficiencies that can
be implemented.
"Our
top priority in any decision that we make will be public safety,"
Governor Bentley said. "This is about making sure our agencies are
working
hand-in-hand with each other. Through better coordination and increased
efficiency, I believe we can provide better public safety. These
efforts will help us make the best use of the resources we have and will
also help us better serve the people of this
state."
The
Integrated State Law Enforcement Task Force will work to identify at
least 10 percent in cost savings in law enforcement functions of state
agencies.
The task force will include cabinet members with law enforcement
responsibilities, particularly Spencer Collier, Director of the Alabama
Department of Homeland Security, and Colonel Hugh McCall, Director of
the Alabama Department of Public Safety.
"To
my knowledge, Governor Bentley is the first Alabama governor to take
action of this nature by ordering a comprehensive review of the state's
law
enforcement resources and capabilities," Director Collier said. "We
have been given a clear directive to act as good stewards of the
taxpayers' dollars by examining the most efficient, effective, and
modern ways to protect the citizens of Alabama. I am excited
to be a part of this."
"Governor
Bentley can count on the Department of Public Safety to fully support
his efforts to ensure efficiency in state government," Colonel McCall
said. "In these challenging economic times, we all must make sure we
maximize resources while protecting public safety. Much can be
accomplished when we work together."
Task
force members will meet regularly to gain a solid understanding of
various functions within certain agencies and departments. Members will
work
closely with various stakeholders to ensure that any and all
recommendations are made in the interest of greater efficiency and
strong public safety. The work of the task force is expected to lead to
future legislation that will help the state implement goals
identified by the task force.
"We have no choice but to rethink state government operations in order to maximize taxpayer resources," Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said.
"Our goal is always to provide better, more cost-effective and
efficient services to Alabamians, and this plan is a big step in the
right direction. I appreciate Governor Bentley's willingness to
champion efforts to streamline state government and look
forward to working with Lieutenant Governor Ivey, Speaker Hubbard and
members of the Legislature to enact these plans."
Governor
Bentley's executive order also establishes the Law Enforcement
Stakeholder Advisory Task Force. The task force will consist of members
identified
by legislative leadership, the Alabama Sheriffs Association, the Alabama
Association of Chiefs of Police, a designee of the Governor's Office,
and Jackie Graham, Director of the Alabama State Personnel Department
(or her designee).
Additional
cabinet members who will serve on the Integrated State Law Enforcement
Task Force include Gunter Guy, Commissioner of the Alabama Department
of Conservation and Natural Resources; Jim Ridling, Commissioner
of the Alabama Department of Insurance; Julie Magee, Commissioner
of the Alabama Department of Revenue; and Mac Gipson, Administrator of the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.
