Some Colorado Springs police turned in their badges after an increasingly violent year, particularly in the past four months.

Fifty-two officers left the force in 2015, 11 of them resigning Oct. 31 or later. Their resignation letters blame violence against law enforcement for their swift exits, the majority leaving the department after less than two years.  

The job has become too risky, they said, especially after two mass shootings that closed out the year. Two Colorado officers have been shot and killed this year. 

Former Colorado Springs police Cmdr. Fletcher Howard, who retired this month after 38 years with the department, told the Gazette the culture of violence has everyone on edge. Citizens don't show the same regard for law enforcement and authority as they did 15 years ago, he said.