| Description: |
Police agencies across Canada and the United States have adopted services whereby citizens can report non-emergency offences online. In the fall of 2012, the Winnipeg Police Service introduced its own online reporting tool, using Coplogic software, to provide a convenient alternative way for citizens to communicate with the police service. The use of the Citizen Online Reporting tool allows for certain offences to be processed by civilian staff without needing to send an officer to the scene. This frees up officer time for frontline duties.
Citizens have access to the Citizen Online Reporting tool through the Winnipeg Police Service website. They must provide basic personal information as well as details on the incident being reported (i.e., approximate date, time and location of offence, and details of personal property such as serial numbers and approximate value). Once the report is submitted and approved, an e-mail notification is sent to the complainant which includes a permanent occurrence number and a PDF copy of the official report. The online report is sent to the Central Reading Unit of the Winnipeg Police Service, which is staffed by sworn members. All online reports are reviewed by the Winnipeg Police Service within three business days. Once approved, the reports are transferred into the Winnipeg Police Service records management system. If additional information is required, the complainant may be contacted by an officer. |