SPD Says Drug Arrests are Down, But that May Not Be a Good Thing

In a report released from Springfield Police Friday, the number of drug arrests in the city are down, but Chief Paul Williams says that isn’t the result officers are looking for.

Chief Williams said that due to staffing shortages, SPD has been forced to hire more patrol jobs than investigators.

That move has resulted in a 32% decrease in drug-related arrests, as there are not enough officers and investigators to crack down.

According to Chief Williams, however, the department would prefer to have an increase.