People who want to report a crime to Winnipeg police now have additional online tools to do so.
The police have expanded their citizen reporting system to handle additional types of complaints, such as identity theft and scams under $5,000.
“Since becoming operational, many benefits have been realized; however, enhancements to this service are ongoing. With continuing high call volumes, these enhancements will allow for more effective management of calls for service,” police said in a release.
The online crime reporting system originally went live in October 2012 to handle reports of break and enters, damage to property, traffic complaints, lost property and other minor matters.
Seven new reporting categories are now available through the system:
- Fraud via identity theft under $5,000
- Fraud via scam under $5,000
- Fraud via failure to provide services under $ 5,000
- Fraud via unauthorized use/possession of payment device under $5,000
- Crime tip: Drug complaints; marijuana grow or drug lab
- Crime tip: Drug complaints; using, dealing and/or selling
- Crime tip: Gang activity and/or problem locations
Police say online reports are reviewed by police officers and entered into the records management system. The reports receive the same investigation and statistical analysis as if they had been reported traditionally.
Police have also introduced a new Quick Connect Service allowing police call takers to efficiently transfer a citizen to the automated online reporting telephone number. They will then be prompted to enter their cell phone number and the Quick Connect Service will text a link to the Winnipeg Police Service online reporting system.
