Just type in "go spd .com" and you'll see what the department is doing to lure you.

A fancy video aimed to recruit.

"The problem we're going to have is that by the end of 2009, we'll probably be some 55 officers under what our normal staffing would be if we have normal attrition between now and then."

Now, two to three officers are leaving every month.

So the department is working quickly to replace the ones gone while the public it serves suffers.

"We hope the public is patient so that they understand there may be some service level reductions."

"Chief Lynn Rowe says it takes about 40 weeks to train and prepare someone to work in the field as a police officer, so the department is always well behind where it could or should be in terms of what the budgeted strength is."

"Because of the lag time we will probably be in excess of 50 officers short of our normal employment by the end of 2009."

Problems with recruiting, and problems with money.

The city has asked the department to cut 15 officers.

"This is a time when we probably should be thinking about adding officers, but looking at the bigger picture, and understanding the city's financial crisis, it only makes sense we contribute as well." And so, it has. But looking at a greater shortage of officers than the budget shortfall. It's back to the board for ideas to recruit.

"Once we have adequate revenue to fund not only the police department but other departments throughout the city, then and only then can this problem be alleviated. Until and unless we have those additional revenues we're likely to be in this position for quite some time."

In Springfield, Sara Sheffield, KY3 News.