SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Violent crime has declined in Springfield and across Missouri since peaking in 2021, according to the Real Time Crime Index. Still, local law enforcement agencies face staffing shortages and budget cuts heading into 2026.
The Springfield Police Department is currently down 50 officers, despite the public perception that adequate staffing exists at crime scenes.
“It’s really going to benefit the public because the workload, especially on patrol, can be overwhelming,” said Chief Paul Williams…