Over 500 towns/cities with populations of 1K-200K disbanded policing 1972-2017.  In past 3 years more than a dozen PDs closed. Resignations up 47% in 2022. Many blame shortages on COVID & criticism of police after George Floyd's death.With crime rates on the rise and response times decreasing, the detrimental effects of understaffed and under-resourced police departments become starkly evident. We will uncover the root causes behind this crisis, shed light on the consequences of a weakened police force, and confront the harsh reality that a nation without a strong and effective law enforcement presence is a nation in peril. We will hear two personal stories of women who lost loved ones due to law enforcement shortages. We will also hear from law enforcement officers on how these shortages have impacted their careers and communities.