A majority of police officers in a new survey have expressed concern about frontline staffing numbers.
The survey for the Police Association canvassed more than 5500 officers in November.
Some 57% cited staffing as one of the most important issues facing the police force.
Some 76% said they were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the numbers of frontline officers in their own district.
In another question, 92% of officers said there were not enough resources, including people, on the frontline.
The 2009 Budget provided funding for 220 more officers, along with the last of 1000 police promised by the previous Government.
However, the association says there is a danger that politicians will think police are now well staffed when that is not the case.