The President of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association says conversations are ongoing with management on ways to address the rising crime rate in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Staff Sergeant Mike Summers cites numbers from Stats Canada, which indicate that the crime severity index for the province has gone up by 6 per cent, which is above the national average. The Crime Severity Index in the St. John’s area jumped by 19 per cent last year from 2021.

Summers says the situation is a concern for the association and its members as they are the ones going out and responding to those calls.

He says they are always in discussion with management on ways to deal with the issues, such as coming up with new teams or units, and trying to be more proactive in the way they police.

But, Summers explains such initiatives require an increase in their numbers, which they are always advocating for. He believes a more wholistic approach is needed involving numerous government agencies to address the underlying issues.