Leader staff
Alberta’s RCMP is ‘streamlining the process,’ with a new phone number for calls that aren’t emergencies. The number is 310-7267 (310-RCMP). According to the April 14 news release, RCMP is hoping it will “help eliminate confusion about which detachment someone should call if they experience a non-emergency that doesn’t require police attendance.”
RCMP dispatchers determine when a non-emergency call should be dispatched to a detachment directly or to the Alberta RCMP’s Call Back Unit (CBU). The CBU is a unit made up of police officers whose primary duty is to respond to and investigate files that do not require scene attendance by police officers. CBU officers will contact complainants and investigate the occurrence. If, during the investigation, there is need for further investigation they will contact detachments or specialized units.
Long distance charges do not apply, and no area code prefix required. The number is accessible to all Albertans within the province with a phone line or an active mobile phone with a cellular signal.
Non-emergencies are situations that do not pose an immediate threat to life or public safety. They include crimes that have already taken place prior to being discovered.
Often, such matters do not require police attendance, but do require police response.
Examples include minor motor vehicle collisions, break and enters (but not while they’re happening), scams in which money or personal information was not transferred or provided, lost property, property damage under $5,000 and theft under $5,000.
While these types of reports are important, they are not an emergency.
Ways to report non-emergencies:
Call 310-RCMP (7267). Alternatively, visit rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ab, and select Online Crime Reporting under Quick Links.
Meanwhile, the RCMP recognized the hard work of its Operational Communications Centres (OCC) and their operators during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 13-19. OCC operators are the first point of contact for the public, in both emergencies and non-emergencies.
“They work day and night, 365 days a year, and are essential for ensuring public safety,” says the news release.