Image Credit: ADOBE STOCK
August 14, 2021 - 1:00 PM
More than one-third of people calling the cops in Vernon should be dialling a different number.
The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP want to be able to apply their resources where they’re needed most, especially in the midst of another intense wildfire season, but up to 36 per cent of their non-emergency calls belong on other lines, according to an RCMP press release.
“Often, calls to police non-emergency lines are not police matters and should be referred to another agency such as ICBC, the BC Residential Tenancy Branch or municipal bylaw services,” RCMP media relations officer Chris Terleski said in the release.
“Any time we can direct these calls to a more appropriate resource, not only does it save time, but it eases the strain on E-Comm and our OCC and ensures essential communication lines remain free for emergency and police matters.”
This concern only applies to the RCMP’s non-emergency line, not the 9-1-1 line.
Anybody who is unsure about the nature of their non-urgent call is encouraged to check online to see if the call is appropriate, report a crime online if possible, or reach out to another source. A list of online crime reporting and non-emergency phone numbers can be found at www.nonemergency.ca.
Vernon RCMP are reminding the public to make the right call.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED / RCMP
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