Barriere RCMP detachment is making changes in response to COVID-19 to protect the public, volunteers and employees.
“We want to do our part to prevent any disease transmission and we recognize that our lobby is very small and cannot accommodate the recommended social distancing of two meters,” said Cpl. Rob Welsman on Thursday, March 19.
“Pre-arranged meetings between our clients and our officers and staff will still be occurring as needed, however, we want to do it in a way that minimizes unnecessary contact between members of the public. In the past, we sometimes had multiple clients waiting in line in our small lobby, and we want to avoid that situation in this current pandemic.”
The detachment’s front counter will remain open at this time but only to persons who need to report emergencies in person.
The detachment is also changing the way it does criminal record checks. Instead of having record check applicants attend in person, the detachment asks them to call to receive the necessary forms via email, fill them out at home, and submit them back electronically.
These changes are being taken as a preventative measure and do not affect 911 service or calls to the detachment’s non-emergency police line (250-672-9918). Both of those services continue to be offered 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
For non-emergencies, Barriere RCMP asks the public to contact the detachment via telephone at 250-672-9918. Calls will be answered Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If no answer is received, the public can leave a message requesting a call back.
If you are exhibiting any potential Covid-19 symptoms, including fever, coughing and difficulty breathing, do not go to the detachment for any police services.
“Our priority continues to be community safety and security and we are taking these measures to help ensure our core policing duties will not be impacted. We appreciate your continued support and understanding,” said the corporal.