RCMP in Penticton are preparing to roll-out a new tool that will allow the public to report crimes online.
The Penticton RCMP will being joining many other detachments in B.C. in the use of this online crime reporting tool. Authorities say other detachments have had “tremendous success” with the tool.
The B.C. RCMP online crime reporting tool will launch in Penticton late next month. The tool will allow the public to report non-emergency crimes online through the Penticton detachment’s website.
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The crime reporting tool was designed with the intention to free up front-line officers so they will have more time to respond to serious emergencies and focus on proactive policing initiatives.
Any Penticton resident with access to the internet will be able to use the tool.
Crimes reported online will have to meet the following criteria:
- The report does not require a follow up by a police officer
- There is no witness or suspect
- You have lost something that costs less than $5,000 or someone has stolen something that costs less than $5,000
- Someone has vandalized your property and it will cost less than $5,000 to repair it
- There are no items involving personal identity, firearms, licence plates or licence plate validation decals
“Every online report received will be reviewed by a supervisor, and should follow-up be required, an officer may still be engaged,” said RCMP Cst. James Grandy.
“These stats will continue to help with how we deploy our resources. However, this modern reporting method will increase our officer’s ability to investigate serious offences and continue efforts to reduce crime in our community.”
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