St. Paul Police asks city for more staff to cut wait times

The St. Paul Police Department says it doesn't have enough staff to respond to all of the calls it's getting.

Wednesday, the department made its case before the St. Paul City Council for more officers.

Police say they're facing a staff shortage with a higher workload.

Staff study: St. Paul Police Department needs 104 more employees

Over the last six years, the department says there's been a 31% increase in 911 calls and a 10% percent jump in overall calls for service.

The department recommends hiring 27 patrol officers, 36 investigators and 25 employees to fill administrative roles.

"It will help the people of the city of Saint Paul immensely as far as receiving the kind of services that they certainly deserve to have on a daily basis," St. Paul Police Commander Jack Serier said.

St. Paul police chief continues to call for more officers

In a few weeks, police will go before the city council again to request additional officers.

It will be several months before we know if the council will give more money for police staffing in next year's budget.