Vernon RCMP ask public to ‘make the right call’

More than one-third of people calling the cops in Vernon should be dialling a different number.

The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP want to be able to apply their resources where they’re needed most, especially in the midst of another intense wildfire season, but up to 36 per cent of their non-emergency calls belong on other lines, according to an RCMP press release.

“Often, calls to police non-emergency lines are not police matters and should be referred to another agency such as ICBC, the BC Residential Tenancy Branch or municipal bylaw services,” RCMP media relations officer Chris Terleski said in the release.

“Any time we can direct these calls to a more appropriate resource, not only does it save time, but it eases the strain on E-Comm and our OCC and ensures essential communication lines remain free for emergency and police matters.”

This concern only applies to the RCMP’s non-emergency line, not the 9-1-1 line.

Anybody who is unsure about the nature of their non-urgent call is encouraged to check online to see if the call is appropriate, report a crime online if possible, or reach out to another source. A list of online crime reporting and non-emergency phone numbers can be found at www.nonemergency.ca.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Dan Walton or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.