Ask the PBA

Matt, why doesn't the PBA do up a packet, presentation or something and show the comparison between FHP to other state troopers throughout the country for the legislators and senators of this state? Show them how we are dead last in the nation as far as pay. Show them how troopers leave in droves for higher paying jobs with local departments. Shove it down their throats to the point that they either openly admit that they don't give a shit about us (like it really is), or force them to give us a pay raise.

Matt, the 5% raise is greatly appreciated and a start in the right direction, and we all appreciate the hard work you guys put in for us this year but we are still years behind where we should be on pay so the question still stands. Why is Florida one of the richest states in the country but our salaries are the lowest in the nation? A new trooper should be starting out at 45-50 K a year in this state. Most states that invest in all the training they give us would want to keep a trooper on the payroll and not watch him leave for a local department. What is the PBA's stance on addressing this in the future?

Matt, why doesn't the PBA do up a packet, presentation or something and show the comparison between FHP to other state troopers throughout the country for the legislators and senators of this state? Show them how we are dead last in the nation as far as pay. Show them how troopers leave in droves for higher paying jobs with local departments. Shove it down their throats to the point that they either openly admit that they don't give a shit about us (like it really is), or force them to give us a pay raise.

Matt, the 5% raise is greatly appreciated and a start in the right direction, and we all appreciate the hard work you guys put in for us this year but we are still years behind where we should be on pay so the question still stands. Why is Florida one of the richest states in the country but our salaries are the lowest in the nation? A new trooper should be starting out at 45-50 K a year in this state. Most states that invest in all the training they give us would want to keep a trooper on the payroll and not watch him leave for a local department. What is the PBA's stance on addressing this in the future?

Because the current members in the house and senate do not want long term employees. They place no value on the risks we take or the sacrifices we make. They will show up at funerals and be sad and say how sorry they are but when it comes to proper compensation they could not care less.

[Matt Puckett]

Matt, why doesn't the PBA do up a packet, presentation or something and show the comparison between FHP to other state troopers throughout the country for the legislators and senators of this state? Show them how we are dead last in the nation as far as pay. Show them how troopers leave in droves for higher paying jobs with local departments. Shove it down their throats to the point that they either openly admit that they don't give a shit about us (like it really is), or force them to give us a pay raise.

Matt, the 5% raise is greatly appreciated and a start in the right direction, and we all appreciate the hard work you guys put in for us this year but we are still years behind where we should be on pay so the question still stands. Why is Florida one of the richest states in the country but our salaries are the lowest in the nation? A new trooper should be starting out at 45-50 K a year in this state. Most states that invest in all the training they give us would want to keep a trooper on the payroll and not watch him leave for a local department. What is the PBA's stance on addressing this in the future?

Our two year plan has been to get everyone at least a 10% raise to relieve some of the strain from the recent lean years. We never believed we could make up for all lean years back to Lawton Chiles era in such a short period. That is going to take more time and continued commitment from the Legislature. However after this two year stretch, we will propose permanent step raises in the contract for next year and into the future.

Thanks Matt

Great job Matt. I'm sure you know that at times you have a thankless job but there are those of us who appreciate what y'all do and know how hard it is in Florida to get thinks done being a right to work state.

I think you need to put together a media packet (TV and print) showing where Florida LEOs rank in the nation in pay and benefits and also how much money the state wastes hiring and training LEOs only to see them leave to other agencies with in a few years. Show clearly that retention can save money. What goes on in the Capitol walls rarely gets out to the public. Let them see the money wasted by legislative refusal to pay and retain the states LEOs.

Just my opinion....

Matt, thanks to you and the rest of the behind the scene folks for helping to secure the raise. Thank you very much.

PBA should form a panel to review all select exempt positions and how the people in those positions affect moral, the Agency, and leadership. Too many Captains and Majors need a wake up call on what they are doing and how they do it . Moral on the FHP is spiraling downward at an alarming rate and for the most part its micro management and relentless over site that's killing the spirit of the members and their ability to effectively do their job and follow FSS. The FHP policies in some areas is so over bearing beyond FSS that its a conflict with the oath of office all Troopers take. Plus the non uniform interpretation application of Policy statewide.

Constant and relentless over site causes dissention and mistrust. Office of Inspector general Lts are all over the place, FHP looks like a Nazi kastopo invasion not over site. Remember the Brass will say it's the members breaking rules and we need order...says the invading conquering force to the peasants.

When the membership no longer trusts the establishment, then productivity is gone. There is a huge difference between over site and micro management.

Plus FHP is notorious for the broad brush affect instead of targeting the singular problem. Has anyone ever gave thought that the Troopers aren't the entire problem but rather the non experienced or bi polar managers Captains and above are the real problem and the real cause of the distrust and moral issues the Patrol has now?, Just look at Captain Hall and what he's doing to moral over where he's at.

Turnpike troopers are notoriously lazy. Capt. Hall is just trying to get people to work instead of hiding all day. To be fully staffed, it's rare to see troopers on the turnpike unless they are working the service plazas. Follow policy instead of trying to do whatever the hell you want to do and you won't have to worry about the brass sending complaints to OIG. Is it that hard to enforce the law and call a road ranger for 76's? No let's belly up to Chipotle for 3 hours.

Turnpike troopers are notoriously lazy. Capt. Hall is just trying to get people to work instead of hiding all day. To be fully staffed, it's rare to see troopers on the turnpike unless they are working the service plazas. Follow policy instead of trying to do whatever the hell you want to do and you won't have to worry about the brass sending complaints to OIG. Is it that hard to enforce the law and call a road ranger for 76's? No let's belly up to Chipotle for 3 hours.

And this has to do with the PBA how?

PBA should form a panel to review all select exempt positions and how the people in those positions affect moral, the Agency, and leadership. Too many Captains and Majors need a wake up call on what they are doing and how they do it . Moral on the FHP is spiraling downward at an alarming rate and for the most part its micro management and relentless over site that's killing the spirit of the members and their ability to effectively do their job and follow FSS. The FHP policies in some areas is so over bearing beyond FSS that its a conflict with the oath of office all Troopers take. Plus the non uniform interpretation application of Policy statewide.

Constant and relentless over site causes dissention and mistrust. Office of Inspector general Lts are all over the place, FHP looks like a Nazi kastopo invasion not over site. Remember the Brass will say it's the members breaking rules and we need order...says the invading conquering force to the peasants.

When the membership no longer trusts the establishment, then productivity is gone. There is a huge difference between over site and micro management.

Plus FHP is notorious for the broad brush affect instead of targeting the singular problem. Has anyone ever gave thought that the Troopers aren't the entire problem but rather the non experienced or bi polar managers Captains and above are the real problem and the real cause of the distrust and moral issues the Patrol has now?, Just look at Captain Hall and what he's doing to moral over where he's at.

You sound like a drama queen, grow up! Did you ever read what the Nazi's did? Really?