RCMP detachments will remain open to the public and local police officers will continue to be present in the community in the face of COVID-19.
“We are prepared,” said Assistant Commissioner Mark Fisher, the Saskatchewan RCMP’s commanding office. “We are taking additional measures such as enhanced cleaning of detachments and police vehicles to keep our work environment as clean as possible for our employees and members of the public.”
The police also are working closely with their community partners and local Saskatchewan Health Authority representatives.
There is one service that will be affected by the pandemic.
“Out of respect for social distancing, and adhering to the recommendations from health professionals across Canada, we have made the decision to temporarily suspend criminal record checks, with the exception of employment checks, at all Saskatchewan RCMP detachments,” Fisher said.
To help maintain the wellbeing of officers responding to calls for service, the RCMP’s Divisional Operational Communications Center will aske two new questions to help assess any potential health concerns.
Members of the public calling to request police assistance can expect to be asked:
- Are you or any member of your residence ill at this time
- Have you or any member of your residence had contact with a probable or confirmed case of COVID 19?
That will ensure RCMP officers can take appropriate measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
The RCMP said they will continue to rely on the public to report crime as this is information police officers rely on in order to respond, intercept potential dangers or advance an ongoing investigation.
“Saskatchewan residents have a long history of working together to overcome adversity,” Fisher said. “The Saskatchewan RCMP is committed to doing our part to ensure our communities are healthy and safe.”
