NILES, Ohio - We now have a clearer picture about how cuts to the Niles Police Department will affect people who live and work in the city.

Layoffs will take effect on February 10th, and so will a number of operational changes at the Niles Police Department.

What you may have considered an emergency before, may not receive the same police response.

Emergency calls for violent crimes including home invasions, domestic violence, shootings, stabbings, rape and murder will still receive the top priority.

Captain John Marshall is with the Niles Police Department, "That's what we're trying to streamline operations into, is that major crimes and any crime that is in progress or happening at the moment, that's where our priority has to stay and our availability has to stay."

So how will they handle those crimes that happened hours or days ago, for example a stolen purse, a home or garage break-in, car break-in or cell phone theft?

"If there's a theft or a break-in and it's not happening actively at that time, it's likely those are things that would be reported here at the police department," Captain Marshall said.

What about a car accident at the mall?

Marshall says, "If it's a minor accident and no one is injured, and property damage isn't leaving one of the vehicles in the parking lot, we will not respond to that anymore. You'll need to exchange information with the other party."

And what about issues like identity theft, or a complaint about a neighbor's junk cars?

"We will have somebody here in the lobby to take your report and your information at specific times during the week," Captain Marshall said.

These changes in services are why Niles Police and fire are encouraging the community to support them with a half-percent income tax increase in March. Money they say is vital to keep your safety forces answering the call when you need them.