There are now options to report less serious incidents online to free up police officers to deal with more serious matters.
According to the Lethbridge Police Service, the additions include being able to report traffic concerns via the online portal. As well the parameters for theft and mischief reports were increased to a maximum of $10,000. The changes followed a review of the service’s “best practices” and a comparison of the practices with other agencies.
For an online report to be submitted where the identity of the suspect has to be unknown, however according to police “photos of a culprit does not constitute a suspect”, the incident has to be non-violent and not involve domestic or hate-related violence and it has to have happened in Lethbridge.
According to a statement from police the new “traffic complaint” category, there are two options to pick from.
“If a license plate has been obtained, and the complainant is willing to provide a statement and serve as a witness in court in the event charges are laid, they must attend the police station and provide a written statement. Upon receiving the completed statement, an investigation will be initiated,” the statement reads. ” Upon submission, the report will be reviewed to identify alleged offences and a warning letter may be issued to the registered owner.”
Any situation with an immediate concern for public safety cannot be submitted online.
