The NOPD Chief says he is not ready to start hiring more cops, despite pressure today from the New Orleans City Council. 

Chief Ronal Serpas says they are more than 35 officers shy of their budgeted number.

"In total the department started (the year) with 1,353; we are about 1,317 today,"  Serpas told the council.

The chief said they are barely within budget right now, he doesn't want to hire any more officers until he sees what his books look in the coming months.

"As we get closer to the end of the year, we would feel more comfortable giving you that prediction so we know what it costs in 2013 forward."

Council members expressed concern that the NOPD find ways to get more officers on the streets to battle the high violent crime rate.