The Bristol Virginia Police Department Advised City Leaders Of An Immediate Need To Fill Positions. Police Chief John Austin Told City Council His Department Is Understaffed And Asked For Permission To Fill At Least Three Vacancies. City Leaders Had Put A Hiring Freeze In Place During The Recent Budget Process. Austin Has Been Instructed To Bring His Request For More Officers To The Recently Established Personnel Committee For Further Review. Meanwhile, A Newly Formed Animal Shelter Committee Has Identified Three Potential Options And Is Working On Another. The Council Recently Agreed To Build Or Lease Space And Establish Its Own Shelter.