SALEM (AP) — The Oregon State Police have sworn in 17 new troopers as part of a $13.9 million recruiting drive approved the state Legislature.

The drive began in 2007 with a goal of boosting the state police ranks by 139 troopers.

So far, the state police have trained and hired 127 recruits, with 50 of them out on solo patrol on Oregon highways.

Lawmakers authorized the recruiting drive to restore 24-hour patrols after budget cuts had reduced the state police presence on the road.