ST. GEORGE -- Ten to 15 fewer officers will be on patrol during spring break in St. George this year, said Police Chief Bob Flowers.
He told the City Council Thursday that he was forced to withdraw his support for the Youth City Council's Battle of the Bands competition because of the shortage of police manpower.The heads of state agencies such as the Utah Highway Patrol told him they would be unable to send the same number of officers as they had in years past.
"I know I said I wouldn't stand in the way (of the concert), but I don't have the same resources today I thought I did," he said.
Other concerns were expressed about the all-day activity originally planned for April 2.
Flowers said Salt Lake officers told him one of the bands had a strong gang member following.
"They said, 'You don't have enough officers in southern Utah if that band comes,' " Flowers said.
However, Youth City Council representatives Chris Bradshaw and Erin Roche said they had planned on only inviting local bands.
Councilwoman Sharon Isom said there are plenty of other weekends in April and May when the concert could be held.
Council members asked Roche and Bradshaw to consider another date.
Flowers offered to provide his officers as security free of charge if the Youth City Council members chose another date.
Bradshaw said he and the rest of the Youth Council will meet again to decide on an alternate date.