ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — Is Ithaca becoming a more violent place to live? We asked John Joly, Acting Chief of the Ithaca Police Department. In a recent interview on Ithaca’s Morning News, Joly said some numbers are rising…but it’s far from an epidemic.

There are vocal concerns about the size of the Ithaca Police Department, and the possible lack of officers on duty to respond to 9-1-1 calls.

Tom Condzella is President of the Ithaca Police Benevolent Association.

Acting Chief Joly is concerned about burning out his officers.

Three officers are now in the police academy and should begin working at IPD next May.