THE SPRINGFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT (SPD) IS A MUNICIPAL POLICE FORCE COMPRISED OF 236 SWORN OFFICERS, A SLIGHT INCREASE FROM YEARS PAST HOWEVER CONTINUES TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY AT A LOWER CAPACITY. THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD, LIKE MANY OTHER CITIES, EXPERIENCED REDUCED REVENUES FOR THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS RESULTING IN THE REDUCTION OF STAFF AS WELL AS CAPITAL PURCHASES SUCH AS SQUAD CARS. THE SPD CONTINUES TO SEEK INNOVATIVE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES SUCH AS THAT PROVIDED BY THE EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG). THE SPD HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH THE DEMANDS OF A GROWING DEPARTMENT AND REQUESTS. THE SPD AND THE SANGAMON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ESTABLISHED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO SPLIT THE GRANT FUNDS AT 65% FOR SPD AND 35% FOR SCSO.