NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Do you feel safe from crime in Nashville? Are you scared to walk on our streets? Afraid you could be murdered, robbed or raped?

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All of that brings us down to the question.

Are there enough police officers in Nashville to protect us?

Compared to many other cities and Nashville's police force in past years, the answer is no.

Still, the city's overall crime statistics have dropped.

Last year was the third straight year with a reduction in overall crime. It was also the lowest crime rate in 16 years.

As of Jan. 19, Metro police has 1, 220 sworn officers, even though it’s authorized to have 1,311.

If the very latest census of 609,000 residents in Nashville is correct, that's one Metro officer for every 500 citizens.

That's a little bit unusual since seven years ago it was an officer for every 456 people.

The city had more officers at the time but with a smaller population.

There are some satellite police departments in the county, but the Metro Police Department covers all of Davidson County.

Compared to Tennessee's larger cities, Nashville's police force needs more officers.

There are four recruit classes scheduled this year.

Memphis has a city police officer for every 341 people.

Knoxville has one for every 433 people and Chattanooga has an officer for every 360 residents.

Baltimore has an officer for every 214 citizens. St. Louis has one for 234 people, and Cleveland has an officer for every 262 residents.

So why has our police been able to cut our crime rate with fewer officers?

It's no secret Metro Police Chief Ronal Serpas is not well liked by some of his officers, but he sure seems to be putting a fire under them.