At a quarterly hearing on Thursday, the federal judge overseeing Baltimore's consent decree took aim at the continued officer shortage at the city's police department.

"Insufficient staffing is the largest single barrier standing between the police department and this court's finding," said Judge James Bredar.

RELATED | 21 killed, 32 shot in 2023 | Mayor Scott appears to shift goals, blame for city crime

In 2022, the department lost another 170 police officers

"It needs to come to an end," said former Mayor Jack Young.

RELATED | Community activist says juvenile deaths are an epidemic in Baltimore city

Young questions the impact of the consent decree which is entering its 6th year and is costing the city millions of dollars.

"The murders are still going on. Shooting's are still going on," said Young.