The hot summer weather is bringing with it more thefts and calls to 9-1-1. The BC RCMP are asking people to continue to report all crime and suspicious activities, and know the difference between an emergency and non-emergency situation.
Cpl. Kyle Camalush, detachment commander for the Barriere RCMP, is encouraging residents to contact their local detachment when they are concerned about suspicious activity or if they view a crime in progress. “Reporting crime can help us identify and catch suspects, track crime trends, and assist us in the prevention of crime.”
Camalush has a few reminders about when (and when not) to call 9-1-1.
Call 9-1-1 – Emergency
For police, fire or medical emergencies call 9-1-1 immediately (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Examples of when to call 9-1-1 include:
- An emergency (such as a fire, a crime in progress, or a medical or life-threatening incident that requires an ambulance).
- Someone’s life is in danger or there is an immediate threat to person or property.
- A crime is in progress, such as a break and enter.
- When a serious crime has just been committed and the suspect may still be near and/or return to the scene.
- When there is a good chance of arresting a suspect or preventing a serious crime.
Remember that when you call 9-1-1, the operator will ask if you want police, fire or ambulance and for which city. If you are unable to speak English, let the operator know which language you prefer and they will do their best to find someone who speaks the same language.
If you are unable to communicate for any reason, the operator will immediately send a police officer to the address that the phone number is assigned to.
Accidental 9-1-1 calls
Thousands of accidental 9-1-1 calls are received each year. To help prevent some of these calls:
- Do not pre-program 9-1-1 into your home or cellular phones.
- Ensure your cellular phone is locked to prevent a pocket dial.
- Explain to children how and when to dial 9-1-1.
If you dial 9-1-1 accidentally, stay on the line to talk to the operator. Otherwise, we will need to call you back or respond in person. Our priority is to ensure you are safe. You will not be in trouble or get a ticket for calling by mistake, but we do ask that you never hang up: always stay on the line and explain what has happened.
Non-emergency calls
Call your local detachment's non-emergency line when you need to report a crime that is not an emergency. In Barriere the non-emergency number is (250) 672-9918. The office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located at 4478 Barriere Town Road, Barriere, B.C.
Visit the RCMP website to locate your local RCMP’s non-emergency number: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/detach/en (English and French).
