The explosion of economic and cultural progress in Colorado Springs is based on confidence in the community’s future. People have worked long and hard to make Colorado Springs great again.

It’s time to focus on the police.

People who relocate businesses and families look for communities that provide good streets and fundamental services.

More than anything, those with options locate where they are likely to feel safe. For a city of its size, Colorado Springs has long enjoyed enviably low crime statistics.

The future safety and security of life in Colorado Springs cannot be taken for granted and is jeopardized by a troubling shortage of officers.

Police Chief Pete Carey spoke with a member of The Gazette’s editorial board Monday and said the city remains understaffed by at least 50, and as many as 100 law enforcement officers. The attrition rate is high, as officers are often lured away by higher paying departments after gaining valuable experience in Colorado Springs. When we lose young officers to other cities, it means we invest in training for the long-term benefit of some other place.

Read more at The Colorado Springs Gazette.