SUNDRE – The local RCMP detachment is helping spread the word about a new non-emergency police reporting line introduced earlier this spring.
In a press release issued last week, Cpl. Courtney Harding said Sundre RCMP is informing the public that 310-2767 (RCMP) is an active, province-wide phone line dedicated to handling non-emergency police matters.
“Whether you need to report a suspicious person, property damage, or a minor theft, this number connects you directly to the appropriate RCMP detachment – no area code required,” reads part of the statement.
The line was introduced as a tool to help streamline the reporting process while also easing pressure on 911 services and supporting more efficient police responses to non-urgent incidents.
Incoming calls are directed to the Alberta Operational Communication Centre, whose responders then dispatch non-emergency calls in the order of their priority.
In a follow-up with the Albertan, Harding said RCMP media relations reached out to individual departments to help spread the word due to underutilization of the new line, which has been active across Alberta since April.
“But we’re still noticing that many people continue to call local detachments directly instead of using the new number,” reads part of an email circulated to departments across the province.
“We’re hoping that another push in public messaging can help remind folks of this important change.”
Police describe non-emergencies as incidents that:
• Do not pose an immediate or potential threat to life or public safety;
• Include crimes that have already taken place prior to being discovered;
• Often do not require police attendance but do require police response.
Examples include but are not limited to:
• Minor motor vehicle collisions;
• Break and enters that already took place;
• Scams in which money or personal information was not transferred or provided;
• Lost property;
• Property damage under $5,000;
• Theft under $5,000.
“While these types of reports are important, they are not an emergency,” reads part of the release.
Aside from calling the new hotline, other ways to report non-emergencies include going online to download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play. Alternatively, visit www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ab and select Online Crime Reporting under quick links.
