(Columbia-AP) March 24, 2003 - Some South Carolina police departments are scrambling to keep up with the loss of officers called to duty by the National Guard and reserves.

Timmonsville Police Chief Timothy Swinton says one of his officers is on active duty in the Army National Guard. Swinton says it's hard to deal with the shortage of one officer in his six-man department.

The chief says the officer was first called to duty following the terrorist attacks. He was home for about a month and then was called to duty in the Persian Gulf. Federal law guarantees that jobs are held for those who must deploy with the National Guard or reserves.

West Columbia Captain Jackie Brothers says two of the 40 officers on her force have been called to active duty. She says both are guarding prisoners at the naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

posted 2:22pm by Chris Rees