Nov. 14, 2000-- State Troopers patrol our highways and keep us safe, yet when it comes to pay, some say they're not getting close to what they're worth.

Many have to work seconds jobs just to make ends meets, and public safety may be paying the price. News Specialist Jill Atwood has a report.

It's a job of high stress, not to mention danger. But Utah state troopers are at the low end of the pay scale.

Jill Giles/Pres., U.H.P. Auxiliary Association: WHEN I HAVE TO WATCH MY HUSBAND WALK OUT THE DOOR EVERY MORNING WITH A BULLET PROOF VEST AND CARRY A GUN TO PROTECT HIMSELF WHILE HE'S OUT PROTECTING THE PUBLIC. AND THEN TO KNOW THAT HE'S OUT DOING THAT FOR PAY THAT QUALIFIES FOR STATE ASSISTANCE. IT JUST DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO ME.

Jill Giles and her husband Troy have three children. They get help from the state to pay for their kids' school lunches, but still they barely get by. As a state trooper, Troy's making less than every other city officer in the area.

Here's the comparison:

A first year state trooper starts at $25,800. That's almost 5-thousand dollars less than a new officer in Salt Lake City, who starts at $30,804.

West Valley police officers also make over $30,000.

The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Department pays close to $28,000.

Sgt. Don Sagendorf/Utah Highway Patrol: TROOPERS ARE LOOKING FOR OTHER JOBS. THEY'RE TAKING ON RESPONSIBILITIES OUTSIDE OF THIS FULL TIME JOB AND THAT CAN HAVE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS WHEN THEY COME BACK HERE.

Seargant Don Sagendorf also says recruitment is way down. But he's optimistic come January their cries will be heard on Capitol Hill.

IT'S AN EDUCATION KIND OF THING, AND THAT'S REALLY WHAT WE'RE HOPING TO DO THIS YEAR ON THE HILL, EDUCATE OUR PUBLIC ON HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO HAVE A TROOPER ON THE ROAD. HOW LONG ARE YOU WAITING FOR A TROOPER TO COME HELP YOU ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH A FLAT TIRE OR AN ACCIDENT?

IT'S GOING TO COST OUR STATE SOME MONEY TO GIVE OUR TROOPERS A RAISE AND PUT THEM WHERE THEY BELONG, BUT I BELIEVE IT'S COSTING THE STATE MONEY AS IT IS BECAUSE SO MANY OF OUR TROPPERS QUALIFY FOR STATE WELFARE ASSISTANCE. THEY'RE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THOSE FUNDS ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.