Police plan 24-7 virtual self-serve crime reporting over in-person reporting
Like a self-serve checkout at the grocery store, Winnipeggers will be able to report crime in a similar way.
A new self-serve way to report non-emergency crimes is coming to three Winnipeg police stations. Police Chief Danny Smyth told the Winnipeg Police Board Friday that a 12-month pilot project is in the works which will see the virtual reporting systems in place.
"It won't be the model like we had in the past where you'd be greeted by an officer sitting behind a desk," he said.
During the pandemic, the police service closed the east, west and north district stations to the public. However, in-person reporting at the downtown headquarters remains open.
Under the pilot project, people could visit the district stations and use technology to make a report for non-urgent incidents.
"That's what technology provides, is that 24/7 ability to report crime," said Markus Chambers, chair of the board.
The aim is to reduce unnecessary calls to an overburdened 911 system and ease demand on general patrols. Station lobbies will be outfitted with virtual video and telephone service, online reporting terminals, a video evidence drobox and electronic file sharing capabilities in order to report crimes.
A volunteer will be available virtually if needed.
"They'll act more like a wayfinder, make sure you're being steered to the service that you need," Smyth said.
Police already do virtual break and enter responses. For people who are not comfortable using technology or can't get downtown, police say officers in patrol cars will still be available.
Still, not everyone is happy with the pilot.
"I think frankly that is laughable," said Transcona Coun. Russ Wyatt.
He, along with Charleswood Coun. Evan Duncan, is calling on the police to reopen the district stations for in-person reports.
"There should be somebody there 24/7 to meet with them, to talk to them," Wyatt said. "I don't think it's too much to ask."
Smyth suggests it might be too much to ask.
He said when the stations were closed to the public, the service was able to redeploy 18 positions per station to the frontlines.
"I can tell you clearly right now, I don't think that's a good use of police resources," he said.
Police already have online reporting in place. Smyth told the police board this is saving $65 per report.
It's unclear when the pilot could begin. Police said there will an education and awareness campaign about the project using billboards and bus ads.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Train derailed in Sarnia after colliding with a truck
Police are investigating after a transport truck collided with a train in Sarnia.
Fewer medical students going into family medicine contributing to doctor shortage
As some family doctors are retiring and others are moving away from family medicine, there are fewer medical students to take their place.
'It's discriminatory': Individuals refused entry to Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
Individuals being barred from entering Ontario’s legislature while wearing a keffiyeh say the garment is part of their cultural identity— and the only ones making it political are the politicians banning it.