Paris Police Problems?

The city of Paris says it needs another police officer, but getting one may pose a problem. Six city council members met Monday night to discuss the whether or not the Paris Police Department needs another officer. Before 2005, two officers roamed the streets of Paris late at night, but now only one officer is on duty from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Council members say things should go back to the way they were. Council member Edye White says Paris is a growing community, and crime is something that comes with growth. "As council members, we all need to be aware and to help those situations, and if its to add more law enforcement to the police department, then thats the way I feel we need to be," White says. White says shed like to see three officers on the night shift, but the city budget only allows for one. But some residents, like Alexandria Hall, say despite having only one late night officer, they feel safe in the town. "Any town that you go to, there is going to be drugs and violence. You see it anywhere you go," Hall says. Paris Police Chief John OBrien says he would like another police officer, but paying for one means city projects would suffer due to lack of funds.