BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. (AP) — The police chief in Belle Fourche says he would rather have fewer but better-paid officers on the force.

Chief Scott Jones this week offered to surrender one of 11 officer positions to allow for higher salaries for the remaining officers. The Black Hills Pioneer reports that the offer came as city leaders are beginning work on a new budget.

Jones says he needs 11 officers but that it's been difficult to retain officers because of low wages. He says police wages in comparable communities are much higher, and he hasn't had a full staff since 2013.

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