Wake County Sheriff Wants Money for More Deputies

Posted 5:00 a.m. Oct 30, 1997 — Updated 5:00 a.m. Oct 30, 1997

RALEIGH — Wake County Sheriff John Baker says he wantscounty commissioners to provide more money so he can hire more deputies. This is not the first time Baker and the county commission have battledover expansion proposals, but both sides say the relationship hasimproved.

This new request for more deputies is Baker's biggest push yet. Bakersays it has to happen for his county to stay safe.

On average, every Wake County deputy is responsible for covering 55miles alone. With rapid population growth, those 55 mile areas are gettingbusier by the day.Baker says citizens are not in danger yet, but said the future isuncertain as growth continues.

County commissioners will look over the new proposal a proposal which asks for $6 million over 4 years. That would put 100 new officers on thestreets.

Commissioners at the meeting seemed impressed by the presentation,but wouldn't sepculate on the likelihood of this plan getting approved.

Photographer:Ed Wilson

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