Minnesota city to shut down Police Department

Photo by: Morris Police Department - Facebook
Photo by: Morris Police Department - Facebook

(Morris, MN) -- The city of Morris, Minnesota is set to shut down its police department.

The Morris City Council voted last week to disband the department. The city, which is Southwest of Alexandria and has a population of 5,105, will contract with the Stevens County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services.

Officials say the department has experienced a employee shortage and is down to two officers, including the chief. The city typically budgets for eight full-time officers and a full-time administrative specialist.