Some non-emergency phone calls will once again be answered by New Westminster police (NWPD).
A news release today (July 25) explains, after a July 19 Police Board meeting, direction was given for the department to work with E-Comm to transition a portion of non-emergency call taking to NWPD staff.
"Being available to people who need to file a non-emergency police report is extremely important to us," says spokesperson Sgt. Justine Thom.
"Receiving non-emergency police reports is essential for us to understand what residents are experiencing and where our resources should be focused. Non-emergency reporting needs to be something residents can count on, and right now public expectations are not being met."
As soon as resources are in place, the NWPD expects it will answer non-emergency calls for service Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
A recent report to the police board showed that NWPD staff could answer roughly half of non-emergency calls for the proposed hours. Non-emergency online reporting also remains an option for residents.
"We have heard repeated frustration from our community about extended wait times for non-emergency calls," Deputy Chief Cst. Paul Huland added in the release.
"We hope this measure will improve service delivery in this area while we continue to work with our valued partners at E-Comm on longer term solutions."
E-Comm will still answer all emergency calls for service.
