We need more boots on the ground.
That's the word from the President of the Niagara Regional Police Association Cliff Priest who tells CKTB they have concerns about staffing.
Priest says there hasn't been a significant increase in policing for a while.
He says while eight additional police officers were added to the force this year, but he would like to see more.
Priest says the population is increasing, the cost of services is going up, and mental health issues have tied up police resources.
He says it's not cheap hiring officers, but it's the best crime deterrent having more uniform officers on foot patrol.
Priest commented on the recent shootings in St.Catharines, saying the community is still a very very safe area but we are not immune to violence.
During the month of October, the Niagara Regional Police Service will be conducting a phone survey asking 1000 residents how they feel about policing in Niagara.
To hear the interview with Priest click here.