Almost 1,000 RUC officers have left the force since the beginning of this year, according to figures released by the Northern Ireland Office, writes Clare Murphy.
So far this year, three assistant chief constables have left the force, 25 chief superintendents, 45 superintendents, 37 chief inspectors, 106 inspectors, 216 sergeants and 469 constables. Seventy six members have left the full-time reserve.
Lord Maginnis of the UUP said the figures illustrated how the RUC was losing experienced officers, "the type of policeman that is needed to tackle crime and in particular the increasing problem of organised crime".
Meanwhile, the RUC Chief Constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, said last week's gun attack on a community centre in north Belfast bore the hallmarks of the UFF.