Strathmore RCMP patrolling unchanged

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Strathmore RCMP are taking extra precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19, but patrol operations remain largely unchanged.
While Red Deer RCMP said they are increasing patrolling because of altered conditions presented by the COVI-19 pandemic, Strathmore RCMP have not made any significant changes to their patrols, said Staff Sergeant Dale Morgan.
“It’s a health emergency, it’s not a policing emergency,” he said. “The demand for police work hasn’t changed, but we just have to try to keep our members as safe as possible.”
As a preventative measure, the detachment lobby is now closed to the public, said Morgan.
“We’ve locked our front door, but we’re not closed for business,” he said.
The detachment has implemented a phone triage system, where in-person police services will be provided for critical and emergency matters only, to limit staff exposure to the virus.
“We’re forcing more phone conservations,” Morgan said. “Don’t take it personally, but we’re triaging situations to say whether a police presence is necessary.”
As a result, police may no longer be dispatched to incidents of lesser severity, such as non-emergency motor vehicle accidents or instances of minor property damage, he said. Instead, these issues will be addressed over the phone.
Non-essential in-detachment services, such as background checks, have been suspended for the time being.
Various other measures have been implemented at the detachment to prevent the transmission of the disease, including social distancing, disinfection regimes and increased use of personal protective equipment, said Morgan.
Should any staff present symptoms, they will be sent home and enter the recommended 14-day self-isolation until they are tested and symptoms subside, in accordance with Alberta Health Services recommendations, he said.
Strathmore RCMP can be contacted at 403-934-3535 for non-emergency incidents or complaints. For emergencies, call 911.