The Opposition is speaking out about new numbers that show the RNC is operating with a historically low number of officers despite rising crime rates.

Justice Critic Helen Conway Ottenheimer says an Access to Information request shows that the number of officers employed by the Constabulary has dropped from a peak of 415 officers in 2020, to 392 today.

Conway Ottenheimer says retirements and resignations continue to outpace recruitment efforts and “crime is rising.”

The Opposition’s concerns come following two horrific attacks in Mount Pearl last week.

She says it’s time that government “take public safety seriously and “develop a real plan to properly resource the RNC.”