The Battlefords RCMP Daily Report has made it clear there is frequent misuse of the 911 emergency system, sometimes even resulting in charges. However, in some cases, the public is not sure when they should resort to calling 911 and, if they shouldn't, they may not be sure what to do next.
The main number to the Battlefords RCMP is 306-446-1720. If your need to talk to the RCMP is non-life-threatening, this is the number you call.
Sgt. Neil Tremblay says the main line to the detachment will be answered 24/7, either by a staff member in North Battleford, or by a call taker in Regina.
"All one needs to do is follow the instructions and whomever is available and answering the calls will help," says Tremblay.
The current recorded preamble of a call answered at 306-446-1720 is as follows:
"You have reached the Battlefords detachment of the RCMP. If this is a life threatening emergency, please hang up and dial 911 immediately or listen to the following menu. If this is regarding police attendance or a new complaint or if you wish to speak to a member of the Mounted Police, please press 1. If this is an administrative matter, please press 2. Business hours are between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday."
The preamble goes on to say, "The privacy act prohibits us from releasing information on people in our custody. Prisoners are not allowed extra clothing or cigarettes. If you are the parent or guardian of a young offender who is in our custody please attend our office to be provided information. Thank you."
If the call is about a new complaint, even a minor one, the caller should follow the directions that would lead them to a live operator to assist them, says Tremblay.
That would be the first option, call 306-446-1720 and press 1.
The second option, for administrative matters, would include anything that has to do with a pre-existing complaint, a request for information or a question about an ongoing investigation, says Tremblay, as long as it's non-urgent.
Tremblay says going through the RCMP's main number takes an extra step or two compared to simply calling 911, but, in a non-emergency situation, this should not be an issue.
