Alberta K-Division is unrolling an initiative that will help take some of the workloads off of the front line officers.
On Aug. 11, the RCMP launched a new online tool that will allow the public to report specific property crimes via their online tool.
The tool, which can be accessed through an RCMP website, allows Albertans, across the province, with the notable exception of municipalities that have their own police force, to report property crimes of less than $5,000.
Citizens will be able to report damage and mischief of property under $5,000, theft of bicycle under $5,000, theft under $5,000, theft from a vehicle under $5,000 and lost property.
The complaint will be followed up by a phone call from an officer from the RCMP call back unit.
RCMP spokesperson Logan Fraser said after which a file will be created and will then be forwarded to the specific detachments.
"The reason the online tool was created was to help free up members for more urgent calls, for example, those where there is a concern for a person's safety," he said.
Fraser added the tool also is intended to ensure crimes are reported.
"It helps remove one more barrier," he said. "Sometimes people don't bother to report a crime because they don't want to take up the police's time with what they believe is a trivial matter or that they are intimidated by making the initial call."
Fraser noted it is also hoped the online tool will help officers gather more information and intelligence on other crimes which will ultimately lead to more arrests.
“The Alberta RCMP is always looking for new opportunities to modernize and streamline our services for all Albertans – no matter where they live in the province,” deputy commissioner and commanding officer Curtis Zablocki said in a media release. “Online crime reporting is accessible and convenient and will help us capture more intelligence when it comes to property crime occurring in all of the communities we serve. Offering a contactless service is also vital in these times when physical distancing is so important.”
To test the technology the RCMP piloted the program starting June 1 in Airdrie, Banff, Cold Lake, Grande Prairie, Red Deer and Strathcona County.
For more information on how to report crimes visit http://ocre-sielc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/alberta/en.
Barrhead RCMP detachment commander Sgt. Bob Dodds said so far the detachment had not received any files from the online portal but added he is a proponent of any tool that eliminates obstacles for the public reporting crimes and getting more information which could help a case come to a successful conclusion.
Scams
When asked about if the Barrhead RCMP had received any complaints about telephone or e-mail scams, specifically one that has reportedly making the rounds in the Westlock area about fraudsters, are asking for people's credit cards to pay for COVID test.
Luckily he said no, but noted there is not a human tragedy that unscrupulous individuals will twist to their advantage.
"Whenever someone asks for money or personal information it should activate people's radar and that they need to do more research about it," he said.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
TOWNandCOUNTRY
COVID-19 UPDATE: Follow our COVID-19 special section for the latest local and national news on the coronavirus pandemic, as well as resources, FAQs and more.
