Here are parts of the news release from last week's announcement (emphasis added):
Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement to become division of KSP
FRANKFORT, KY - Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement (KVE) will become a
division of the Kentucky State Police under an executive order signed
today by Gov. Steve Beshear, returning KVE to its core mission while
allowing the two agencies to combine law enforcement resources and
create cost-saving efficiencies.
Under the new division, KVE personnel will maintain their
identity as the primary agents of driver and vehicle compliance and
safety.
"Rigorous and focused commercial and vehicle enforcement is
absolutely critical to the safety of our highways, the security of our
homeland and the maintenance of our roads," said Gov. Beshear. "By
folding KVE into our state police department, we're able to eliminate a
layer of bureaucracy, and allow KVE to focus on vehicle and driver
safety, and enforce compliance of vehicles operating in commerce."
The reorganization will allow the new division to expand hours of
operation at weigh stations, in some cases doubling or tripling the
hours these crucial checkpoints are open, Beshear said. Longer hours
will increase the inspection and records checks of hazardous cargo,
expand the use of radiological and nuclear material, and increase
contact with operators and drivers.
The move also enhances critical security measures.
"The specialized training and enforcement capabilities of this
agency provide an indispensable line of defense at our borders and on
our roadways," said J. Michael Brown, Secretary for the Justice and
Public Safety Cabinet. "Since 9/11, the development of KVE into a
publicly recognized branch of law enforcement has been steady and
irreversible. The placement of the KVE function and officers under the
umbrella of KSP will only serve to give KVE a permanent home within the
law enforcement family."
"The many superb officers and personnel in KVE will continue to
serve the Commonwealth as they always have," said Rodney Brewer,
Kentucky State Police Commissioner. "The agency will maintain its
identity; rank and file officers will maintain their positions; uniforms
and cars won't change. What will change is the clarity of a renewed
emphasis on their primary function and responsibility."
The reorganization is expected to save $750,000 to $1 million
annually through efficiencies, by eliminating top-level positions which
are or will soon be open through retirements; reducing fuel costs;
eliminating overhead costs of duplicative operations and programs; and
centralizing offices and facilities.
In addition, the increased operation of weigh stations is
expected to bring in higher revenue, such as tax compliance, licensing
and permits, and fines and fees.
