What if the state threw a bunch of football games and all the law enforcement officers had to be there – instead of on Alabama’s highways? Sounds like this weekend, according to Governor Robert Bentley. Because any terrorist who struck at Paris would probably find Alabama college football an equally irresistible target.

“Although there have been no known threats in Alabama, I take very seriously the safety and security of Alabamians in light of recent terrorists attacks and threats across the globe,” said Bentley in a statement released by his office. “It is important to be prepared as a state. That preparation includes closely monitoring soft targets such as college football stadiums and other mass gathering venues.” The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is increasing the number of state troopers and State Bureau of Investigation agents at the games this weekend to provide increased patrols and monitor activity during the games.

Yep. The University of Alabama vs Charleston Southern. Hopefully, the LEOs will help contain some of the damage to the poor Charleston players.

Now there’s nothing wrong with being careful, and certainly it’s the job of Alabama’s law enforcement community to protect the population. We depend on them on the highways and in our communities. We depend on them daily – not just during football games.

But somehow those hardworking public servants didn’t get a whole lot of respect during the previous legislative session.

Specific cuts to agencies other than Medicaid include: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

Closure of all driver license offices except Mobile, Montgomery, and Birmingham

Close 13 Trooper Posts

Shut down the Agriculture and Rural Crime Unit

Layoff Aviation Staff and Fleet Management Staff

Layoff 1/3 of all non-sworn personnel

Layoff 75 of 431 Highway Patrol Troopers

Layoff 30 of 147 Special Agents

Layoff 8 of 31 Capitol Police Troopers

We want these people available when we need them. But somehow, our state government blanches when asked to actually fund these services. It’s like they’re important in theory, but not in payment.

Alabama’s legislature was willing to toss these people aside if they were investigating rural crimes, patrolling the highways, or doing other important investigative work. But keeping the state safe for football? We’re all over that one.