By: Mireya Garica

COLORADO SPRINGS- City Council may have spared the 23 police positions that were originally threatened during the debate over 2-C but Police Chief Richard Myers told NEWSCHANNEL 13 that the department will be far from unscathed.

Chief Myers said, "There are almost 50 police officer positions that by 2010 will be vacant."

There should be no layoffs, but as positions become vacant they will not be re-filled.

"I don't consider this dodging a bullet. The police department was looking at a 6.2 million dollar reduction and now just over 4 million dollar reduction."

The bottom line is that police will have to prioritize. 9-1-1 calls and violent crimes will be attended to first. Non-violent crimes and some vice crimes may not be investigated as thoroughly.

The police department will begin to create a more comprehensive plan in two weeks, once the city budget is finalized.