Powell River RCMP and Fire Rescue are emphasizing it is imperative that a 911 call is only used for true emergencies.
According to a media release from the City of Powell River, the RCMP is halting all administrative services, including civilian fingerprinting and criminal record checks.
“Police will be responding to 911 calls and crimes in progress,” stated Staff Sergeant Rod Wiebe in the media release. “While we will still respond to calls for service, we will be limiting officers attending priority three and four calls. This means if the incident is not in progress, an officer will most likely follow up with you via the telephone to determine if attendance is required.”
The RCMP also asks that people limit going to the detachment. Instead, call first: 604.485.6255. Police can then determine if the person would be better served going to the detachment.
These processes have been put in place to ensure that officers are not exposed to COVID-19 and put at needless risk, according to the media release. With these measures in place, the RCMP can continue to provide a healthy workforce to maintain public safety. The RCMP detachment will continually evaluate these measures and update the public as circumstances change.
Powell River Fire Rescue encourages a sense of calm and asks the public to only source factual information, according to the media release.
“Fire Rescue will always take life-saving actions to protect the public even at great peril to staff,” stated fire chief Terry Peters. Peters added that firefighters need to remain healthy and the department will be taking measures to limit administrative procedures and public engagements for the near future.
“We will be ready when you need us and are working diligently with other emergency services to remain at a status of normal for all,” said Peters.
Currently, there are no changes to BC Ambulance Service in the Powell River region.
For further information on the City of Powell River’s response to COVID-19, please go to powellriver.ca, and follow the City’s Facebook page and Twitter feed.
