In Parlier Wednesday night, city council members voted unanimously to layoff three police officers in an effort to balance the city's budget.
A large number of residents turned out to try and convince city leaders not to make the move, however, it did not work.
The police chief needed to cut $527,000 dollars from his budget to help ensure the department itself will still exist in the future.
About 100 residents of all ages from Parlier took a role reversal wednesday night as they came to the aid of police officers who were in jeopardy of losing their jobs.
"What will happen if you take our police away? Will I continue to feel safe? No. Will I want to go play outside? No." said young Darius Guevas.
Parlier's police department has 14 officers - three layoffs will bring them down to 11 at a time when violent crime is rising in the city.
"We have had several gang related shootings and aggrevated assaults. Two weeks ago we had our first homicide of the year and the warmer months are still ahead" said Sgt. Carter pittman.
The money woes date back to 2007. the city started spending more than it was generating and never made any cuts. so now, it's losing 15-thousand dollars a day and if drastic measures are not taken, like slashing police positions, the city could be headed toward bankruptcy.
The council will continue to look at other departments and services that may be cut to save money. They are also working to secure some federal grants. if that happens, they could start to rehire officers back in the next 2 to 6 months.