Montgomery County Police face staffing shortages, leaving 166 positions unfilled despite efforts to improve recruitment and manage resources efficiently. Concerns grow over public safety and meeting optimal officer-to-resident ratios.

As police in Montgomery County continue to navigate the impacts of an officer shortage, they are planning for even more vacancies with expected retirements in the coming months.

The Montgomery County Council's Public Safety Committee heard from the county police chief and other law enforcement leaders on Monday.

The Montgomery County Police Department may soon face greater staffing challenges as dozens of officers are eligible for retirement in 2025 and recruitment efforts aren’t sufficient to make up the difference.

The Montgomery County Police Department is still trying to attract more patrol officers while planning for expected retirements in the agency.

Police said Monday that they were trying to find an 81-year-old woman who last was seen on Sunday. Montgomery County Department of Police (MCDP) said Jacoba Wilhelmina Leroux was driving a sliver 2015 Honda Accord in the 1000 block of Guillemont Dr.