A state audit shows Georgia could save $1.6 million by downsizing the state's Capitol police.

Last year, Georgia spent $6.4 million to protect state lawmakers and other officials.

The report suggests eliminating the capitol's dozen or so state troopers.

It also questions the need for 24 more officers and suggests privatizing some services for $400,000 in savings.

Capitol police spokesman Paul Cosper says, private security is cheaper, but also unarmed.

“Having an armed certified peace officer over there can negate a lot of times some bad things happening.”

The audit was written by the Department of Audits and Accounts.

Tags: audit, Department of Audits and Accounts, Capitol Police Division