The NYSP has a smaller staff in 1980 than it did in 1974. The number of troopers on road patrol has declined 3.8 percent in the last 5 years. In contrast, the number of cases reported to NYSP has increased by 11.3 percent, while the number of criminal and noncriminal investigations have increased by 40.3 percent. The NYSP will need to hire at least 480 new recruits during 1981 to forestall the drastic personnel drain affecting a department which is already understaffed and overextended. About $7 million will ultimately be needed to fill the number of projected vacancies. Funding of $1 million is needed immediately to initiate a class of 160 recruits to begin to fill existing vacancies. This funding should be a major priority when the legislature returns for the special session tentatively scheduled for November 17, 1980. In addition, $2 million to train another 320 recruits should be approved so that two additional classes can immediately follow. One of these classes should be dedicated to direct training of personnel for satellite units to improve coverage in remote areas, which are currently understaffed. A map and tables are provided. (Author abstract modified)