The union representing police officers with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary says it’s pleased with what it calls government’s “ongoing commitment” to the RNC.

Last week’s budget includes funding to establish an RCMP-RNC joint task force targeting drug and gun crime, and hire six new Crown attorneys, 14 new deputy sheriffs, 32 additional correctional officers and ten more front-line RNC officers on the northeast Avalon.

The RNCA says after what it calls “constructive conversations,” it’s pleased to see an increase in staffing levels as well as investments in technology and improvements to their fleet.

Association president Staff Sergeant Mike Summers says violent crime and incidents involving weapons, are increasing, as is evidenced by recent seizures and the murder in Virginia Park last week. He’s calling this budget “a step in the right direction in curbing these trends.”