Whether accurate or not, Killeen is often perceived as a crime-ridden and dangerous place to live. News like this doesn't help.

The Killeen Daily Herald's Kyle Blankenship reports that 17 officers have left the Killeen Department since August of last year, and all but one were resignations. Seven new officers have been hired in that same period, but that's still a net loss of 10 officers.

Blankenship cites population estimates that indicate there is now one sword KPD officer for every 684 residents, and most of the cops who resigned were patrol officers.

City budget issues and lack of competitive pay and benefits seem to be the biggest factors in this problem, though not the only ones.

Blankenship's article is a must-read for people in Killeen and surrounding communities. You can find the full article on the Killeen Daily Herald's website.

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