It's only halfway through Monday and it's already turning into a bum week for Maplewood Police Chief Robert Cimino. On Saturday, he appeared before the Township Committee, asking for time to find alternative ways to cut the force's budget. That request was denied.

Now, three of his officers will have to be let go in the next two weeks.

"One of the hardest things I've had to do as Chief of Police is inform young officers that they don't have their jobs anymore," Cimino said.

In accordance with contractual obligations, the officers made to leave the force are the ones who were hired last. The three officers are all in the patrol division and two have yet to receive their state certification, which Cimino said will make it more difficult for them to find police jobs in other municipalities.

Cimino was not surprised the layoffs were announced, but had hoped for more time to explore alternatives.

"The threat [of layoffs] was out there," Cimino said, adding that he understood it was a difficult situation for the township officials.

"I'm very disheartened by this," Cimino said. "It affects three officers, and it affects Maplewood."