To save money, Foley, Minn. will employ a private security company to patrol its streets.

Foley is believed to be the first town in Minnesota to replace its police force with private guards, according to the Minnesota attorney general's office.

Since it disbanded its police department in 2003, Foley has contracted with the Benton County Sheriff's Office to have three deputies patrol the city, providing coverage for about 17 hours a day, says a USA Today report. This year, the city paid $24,694 a month for the contract, the report says.

Beginning in January, the city will contract with General Security Services Corp. to provide 24-hour coverage starting for about $16,000 a month, the report says.

According to the report, GSSC security officers go through extensive training comparable to police officers. They will carry firearms for their own protection and not to enforce laws. They will also provide routine patrols and preventive work, things police don't always have time to do anymore.