By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – Governor Riley says his cabinet will consider changing a law that prohibits police officers in some small towns from patrolling state highways. Riley says a proposal could be introduced as early as the 2005 legislative session to allow the patrols in towns with populations less than 19-thousand. Speaking at the Alabama Sheriffs Association's annual conference, Riley said compared to other southeastern states, Alabama should have about 800 troopers on the roads, but there are only about 350. Sheriff's Association President Mobile County Sheriff Jack Tillman says the group will work closely with the Governor to improve safety on state roads. Alabama lost more than one-thousand lives on state highways last year.