Beef Over Paterson Beefing Up Security

A study commissioned by the state police has determined that Governor Paterson's security detail is inadequate, so the squad assigned to protect him will be increased by about 45 officers. The Post, naturally, is quick to point out that the beef-up will cost over $4 million – "even as Paterson calls for cuts in state spending." Pataki had about 200 troopers assigned to executive security; the number shrank to 150 under Spitzer. The addition of more cops is something of a surprise in Paterson's case since he previously talked about "an element in the police force... of out-of-control people who had power that were clearly monitoring a lot of the elected officials." Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is investigating these allegations about "rogue members" on the state police squad assigned to protect politicians.