BOSTON -- Boston Police Commissioner Kathleen O'Toole spoke Monday about the news that she may follow her predecessor in taking a new job overseas.

NewsCenter 5's Janet Wu reported that as Boston suffers a spike in deadly violence, O'Toole could be headed to Ireland. The Irish Times reported on its Web site that O'Toole has been offered a top job, but it's yet to be ratified or accepted.

O'Toole attended meetings Monday about the climbing number of homicides and shootings in the city. She insisted that reports of her departure are premature, but that she spoke with potential new employers.

"I spoke with them very briefly and we agreed that we are put in an awkward position because of some of the premature leaks that emerged on Friday," O'Toole said.

O'Toole said that no formal offer has been made.

"They have a very formal process over there in terms of appointments. The minister has to present candidates to the cabinet and to the prime minister, and that hasn't occurred. I haven't been formally nominated, so any reports that emerged over the weekend or even today in The Irish Times are inaccurate," O'Toole said.

Some have speculated that O'Toole's frustration with not getting enough police officers to patrol the streets of Boston inspired her to entertain other job offers.

"I think I share frustration with most of the major city chiefs in this country. You know, our federal government, unfortunately, has not dedicated the resources to law enforcement that we need in our inner cities. So, I face this challenge, Mayor Menino faces this challenge. We've lost tens of millions of dollars in federal funding. Ironically, the Irish government is moving in the opposite direction, adding 2,000 police officers to its force," O'Toole said.

O'Toole said that reports of her possible departure will push both sides to make a decision about her possible nomination.