Do fewer people want to work as a police officer?

The Decorah Police Department has two openings on its staff.  Tuesday was the deadline for applying for one of the jobs.  New Decorah Police Chief David Smutzler says he was surprised that only 14 people applied for one of the two positions.

"I've never seen them (applications) this low," says Smutzler.  Furthermore, only 4 of the 14 applicants were certified officers.

Smutzler and other city officials now will decide which candidates to interview for the opening.  The Decorah Police Department also is going through the process of hiring an Assistant Police Chief, to replace Smutzler.