WARREN, Ohio - Recent violence within the city of Warren has local leaders looking for ways to put a dent in the growing problem.

The city beefed up its police force on Wednesday swearing in two new officers. However, the department is still significantly smaller than it was just three years ago.

"The nature of crime has changed over the years and as a police force we have to adapt to that change and work to fight against it," said City of Warren Safety Service Director Enzo Cantalamessa.

"There is absolutely a shortage of police officers, but we've done everything we can to put as many police officers as we can on the street as we can given our staffing," said City of Warren Chief of Police Timothy Bowers.

In the coming months that staff could very well change. Next week, Warren's mayor will present his budget plan to the city council. While he hasn't revealed specifics, he has acknowledged the need to add even more patrolmen to the police force.

"Anytime you can add patrolmen who respond or who are on the front line and respond to the day to day calls it absolutely makes a difference in how we are able to deliver safety services," said Warren Mayor Doug Franklin.

Mayor Franklin says he would like to see a minimum of three officers hired. The city also has plans to continue working with other local police agencies.