The streets of Pine Bluffs are missing something these days. Two of the Pine Bluffs police officers are not working a beat.

Brian Yeomens and Richard Hillhouse are both not working right now, leaving chief Don Taylor the lone force in Pine Bluffs. Town administrator Caryn Miller said in a phone interview, one is on administrative leave for personal reasons and the other is suspended. Miller declined to say who was suspended or why. Without further guidance from the town attorney, Miller declined additional comment.

The following is a press release Miller issued Tuesday, “The Town of Pine Bluffs is aware of some possible issues relating to the police department and has been working cooperatively with outside law enforcement agencies with more expertise and resources to assist us in the investigation. The town remains confident in its police department and its service to our community. Any officers that may have been involved have been placed on leave and we are actively seeking part-time help from other law enforcement officers that are willing to work for us in the meantime. The town is committed to serving its citizens and is doing all possible to continue the level of service our residents deserve.”

A special town council meeting is being held this Thursday, Jan. 12, at 9 a.m. to discuss “employment opportunities within the town” according to the agenda sent out by Miller. When asked if the meeting was to discuss hiring additional police, Miller responded that she “was not privy to that information” and explained that mayor Bill Shain called for the meeting. “I know we are looking at revamping several departments,” Miller said.

Shain explained discussion will involve the police department and there will be some consideration of hiring police to help. If council decides to pursue additional officers then selecting full-time or part-time hires will be considered, Shain said.

How long has Pine Bluffs been lacking police protection? Councilman and commissioner to the police department, Mark Fornstrom said he was not sure. Fornstrom said when he left for his vacation in the Bahamas the police were at full force and when he returned Jan. 2, two weeks later, Taylor was the only one on duty.

Miller said in an e-mail, the two officers have been inactive for “approximately one week” and said the town has highway patrol on standby if assistance is needed. Shain also estimated a week for the missing officers.

When asked about any increase in crime, Shain said, “not that I am aware of.” In Shain’s discussions with Chief Taylor, Shain said “the chief has not indicated any difficulty in handling any situations.”

“First of all, the chief felt for the short amount of time comfortable to handle it on his own and had also informally talked to the highway patrol officer in town if a need for assistance arose,” Shain said.

Shain added, “The mayor and council continue to be 100 percent confident in having its own police department in Pine Bluffs.”