FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 20, 2001

CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety has announced that it will lay off 27 employees as a result of a $10.7 million decrease in the agency’s budget. The employees were notified this week that the reduction in force (RIF) will be effective August 1.

"We have looked at every possible avenue to keep from laying off employees and to reduce the number of employees affected by budget cuts," said B. Boykin Rose. "We deeply regret that we have to take this action. We are doing everything we can to move these 27 employees into other open positions within the agency or help them find positions in state government."

In April, DPS offered employees an early retirement incentive plan; 106 employees opted for this plan, reducing the number of employees who were affected by the layoff or reduction in force (RIF). Because of the state budget scenario, employees have been told that the agency expects the layoffs to last indefinitely.

Most layoffs were in the administrative area, primarily involving clerical or entry-level positions. Following is a breakdown of where the cuts were made according to DPS division:

• 10 from Highway Patrol – no troopers;
• Nine officers from Bureau of Protective Services;
• 2 from Division of Motor Vehicles;
• 1 from State Transport Police;
• 5 from other support areas within the agency.

DPS had already put into place many cost-saving measures beginning last fiscal year. The $10.7 million decrease this year will mean additional cuts in all areas of the agency’s operations.

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