ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — One Ithaca leader is concerned about the city’s police department.

Acting Chief John Joly is on a leave of absence. Alderperson George McGonigal says that void is troublesome.

“The fact that Acting Chief Joly is taking a leave hurts the department right now,” he says. “We’re extremely understaffed and morale is low.”

A national search is underway for a new chief of police.