The 49th annual Christmas Parade brought smiles and joy to thousands that lined Baltimore City streets, Sunday.
Those smiles, however, could've ended in frowns with the Ravens game kicking off around the same time the first float was set to begin the parade, leaving police scrambling.
One Christmas Parade organizer was told by the city that there were not enough police officers to handle the crowds and traffic of both events.
With the Baltimore Police Department lacking sworn officers, community leaders say the problem is much bigger than just monitoring traffic.
Community activist, Reverend Al Hathaway, says the obstacle of recruitment is affecting officers who are sworn to protect.
"You almost leave them without the kind of proper protection while you're covering events," Hathaway said.
Hathaway believes recruitment starts locally to serve those within the community.
"The police cadet program should be embedded in our seven colleges and universities in Baltimore City," Hathaway said.
In August, the Baltimore City Police Department began offering a $5000 sign-on bonus and a competitive salary. Despite that, the department is still hundreds of officers short.