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Brownsville Police Chief Carlos Garcia told Action 4 News that a prime focus this year will be border violence.

But he also pointed out it will be tough since he lacks about 60 officers.

Chief Garcia addresses the concerns during a Wednesday morning press conference to release the department annual crime report.

The Brownsville Police Department currently has 243 officers on staff but really need a total of at least 310 to be fully equipped.

Garcia fears that with the situation increasing across the border he won’t have the necessary manpower to battle the violence.

“The situation in Mexico is not getting any better any time soon and we do have…and we do have concern of the effects it could or has had on our city,” said Garcia.

The chief added he understands the city is in a deficit so he knows he probably will not get his extra officers.

But he hopes the community will and encourages them to call the crimes stoppers line if they see any suspecious activity.

“Local law enforcement knows that border security has only been effective to a certain point and the rest falls on the shoulders of local, county and state law enforcement," said Garcia.