St. Paul - The St. Paul RCMP Detachment has resumed front counter services this week, but will also continue to deal with a number of administrative tasks over the phone and email.
Beginning Sept. 14, the RCMP office will be open with reduced hours.
"I understand some of the frustration that exists over our doors having not being open on a regular basis and we are trying to get back to normal as best we can," says Sgt. David Graham of the St. Paul RCMP. "With this being said, we are trying new processes to reduce the detachments exposure to the community and vise versa."
There will be changes to how some things are done at the office. If an individual requires a Criminal Record Check, they must first contact administration at (780) 645-8870. Results will then be available for pick-up on Thursdays.
If a motor vehicle collision has to be reported, that can also be done by calling the detachment administration line.
"Motor Vehicle Collision Reports will be sent to you via postal system or email," according to RCMP.
Criminal Record Check requests and motor vehicle collision reporting will not be done in person. Fingerprints will be completed by appointment only by calling the administration line.
The detachment started dealing with a number of administrative tasks by phone and email in March, and will continue to do so, "as I believe it has been more efficient not only for the detachment but for community members as well," says Graham.
"We do want to open our doors for those that need in-person service, but we want to do this safely and to help achieve this we want to limit the number of people that come through our doors. The services we provide will remain the same. The only change is how we go about obtaining those services," he adds.
Reporting crime
If a person has a crime to report, they can call the complaint line at 780-645-8888, but if it's an emergency call 911.
If the crime meets the following criteria then individuals can use the Online Crime Reporting Link at https://ocre-sielc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/alberta
Citizens can report a number of crimes online, including damage or mischief to property under $5,000, theft of a bicycle under $5,000, theft under $5,000, theft from a vehicle under $5,000, and lost property.
Incidents must also satisfy the following conditions to be reported online: there are no witnesses or suspects, items lost of stolen cost less than $5,000, vandalized property costs less than $5,000 to repair, and there are not items involving identity, firearms, license plates or decals.
"There is really no need for a crime to be reported in person at the detachment. The quickest way for a member to respond to a complaint is for it to be phoned in to our complaint line or if it is an emergency calling 911. These calls get dispatched based on priority in a relatively short period of time," explains Graham.
Hours at the St. Paul RCMP detachment are:
- Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Wednesdays will be for fingerprints. Appointments are required
- Thursdays will be for Criminal Record Check Result pick-up
