Castlegar and area residents now have the option of reporting some minor incidents to the RCMP through a new website.
The RCMP On-line Crime Reporting (OCRe) tool launched locally May 20.
According to a statement from the RCMP, the tool is meant to ease the pressure on front-line RCMP officers whose investigative file loads continue to increase.
The online reporting platform enables the general public to report non-emergency situations such as property related crimes that are not in progress or situations that require no further follow-up by a police officer.
“This tool will allow the general public to report non-emergency crimes online through the detachment website, with the goal of freeing up time for front-line personnel, including both police dispatchers and police officers, to respond to more serious crimes or emergencies,” said Sgt. Monty Taylor, detachment commander for the Castlegar RCMP, in a statement.
“This online system exemplifies our efforts to actively modernize our police operations here in Castlegar and keep up with technological advances,” added Taylor.
“It will also allow our front-line personnel to focus on other essential core duties.”
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Residents and business owners from across the Castlegar detachment area, which includes the City of Castlegar, Robson, Ootischenia, Blueberry, Thrums, Raspberry, Deer Park, Glade, Tarrys and Renata, will be able to use the reporting tool.
Users must have a valid email address and provide their name, address and phone number. Access is available through computer, smart phone or tablet.
Crimes must meet the following criteria to be eligible for online reporting:
• Your report will not require a follow up by a police officer and
• You have no witness or suspect, unless it’s a driving complaint
• You have lost something that costs less than $5,000 and/or
• Someone has stolen something from you that costs less than $5,000 and/or
• Someone has vandalized your property or car and it will cost less than $5,000 to repair it; and
• There are no items involving personal identity, firearms, licence plates or licence plate validation decals.
betsy.kline@castlegarnews.com
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