Kathy Dunderdale admits she was reluctant to have police provide security for her in the wake of several incidents that have not been disclosed. (CBC)

Premier Kathy Dunderdale says she will stay mum about what led to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary being assigned as her personal security team.

The RNC confirmed earlier this week the force is providing security for Dunderdale, but would not describe the several incidents that led to the decision.

Speaking Tuesday, Dunderdale said she was partly reluctant to take on a bodyguard from the RNC for privacy reasons, but that she also respects the decision.

"This work has as a part of it a great loss of privacy, so to have that extended even further was something I was very reluctant to embrace," Dunderdale said.

"The RNC have the expertise in this area. They've review everything around the issue of security and they believe this is necessary and I have to rely on their advice."

Dunderdale said the police have asked her not to comment further on her extra security.

Police have been assigned at various times to provide protection for past premiers. In 2005, the RNC provided a security cordon for Danny Williams amid raucous protests by crab fishermen at Confederation Building.

In the late 1980s, an RNC officer was effectively assigned full-time to then-premier Brian Peckford, who had expressed concerns about his personal security.