The Missouri city police chief along with the other officers have tendered their resignation on Friday. Amongst other issues, they have cited low pay rates and lack of proper tools. 

Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader at the Kimberling City Police Department said that that most police stations are understaffed.

“It will be a struggle to fill the police department back up with qualified officers, but hopefully they can start working on that soon and get that accomplished,” he said, as per Fox News reports.

Also read: 9/11 attacks changed how planes are designed

These resignations leave a chaos for local leaders, who will have to fill in the positions. 

Kimberling City Police Chief Craig Alexander put in his notice on August 23 after accepting another position. He, as per reports, told the town’s mayor that he wanted a change and to better himself. Three officers and a sergeant joined the chief. 

As per reports, the officers have cited not having a clerk to assist the department, not having qualified officers in the department, the pay rate and new opportunities as part of their reasons to resign. 

Also read: One hoax after another: 9/11 conspiracy theories through two decades

“I didn’t know there were that many openings in Branson West because we didn’t see an advertisement for police,” Kimberling City Mayor Bob Fritz said, as per Fox News. He added that the resignations were “unexpected and the short notice disappointing.”

“We’re looking for officers, we’re looking for a new police chief and I think we’ll be fine,” Fritz added.

Also read: Americans less positive about civil liberties, poll finds

In the meantime, the Stone County Sheriff’s office will handle emergency calls until the department is staffed.

According to the Police Executive Research Forum, a survey found there has been a 45% increase in the retirement rate and a nearly 20% increase in resignations from officers in 2020-2021 compared to the previous year.