BAKER – Along with dealing with flood issues, the city of Baker is also short officers.

Baker Police Chief Carl Dunn said that since taking the position seven months ago, he has had to juggle his staff.

"I recently had two officers to leave, but I was short five when I came in," Dunn said.

The town approved a budget to hire six new officers since the force is lacking presence on the street.

"I wouldn't say a spike in crime but when you're running your shifts to just a skeleton crew there's almost a lot that's gone," Dunn said.

After being elected in March, Dunn has started the review process for new hires, but said that he is taking the time to look for "high quality" candidates.

"I am so excited, I'm going to have some real good high quality recruits that coming in saying they want to help the community, saying they want to give back, and I'm so excited about the quality I'm getting as far as applicants," Dunn said.

Dunn said that the department may have to purchase additional cars to service the new officers.

"Being the chief, it's my responsibility to make sure I put the right people with the right attitude on the street," Dunn said.

Dunn said that community policing is a paramount in Baker.

"When you come in with an officer with that attitude that all he wants to do is see the community, he wants to support the community, make that community successful you got an officer with the right attitude," Dunn said.

Chief Dunn said that he is interviewing potential candidates and there is currently no time frame on when the new officers will be hired.