BOW VALLEY – RCMP say it's business as usual amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but please do not visit the detachments if you can help it.
To ensure the safety of police officers in Canmore and Banff, the local police are asking the public to call the administration line, complaint line, or 911.
“The Banff RCMP continue to provide the same level of emergency services, and the safety of our community and our employees is our top priority," wrote Banff RCMP Staff Sgt. Michael Buxton-Carr in a statement.
"We have closed our doors to our detachment, but we are still providing reception services to the public by phone."
Sgt. Stan Andronyk confirmed the Canmore location is also encouraging people to call.
“It is business as usual, but we are definitely taking precautions to ensure the safety of all of our employees,” Andronyk said.
“We ask any queries are done by phone. We’d prefer if people call ahead and deal with as much as we can over the phone.”
The Canmore detachment is not offering civil fingerprinting services at this time – that service is suspended until further notice.
Banff officials said if anyone needs to schedule an appointment with the RCMP, to call and schedule a time in advance.
“We will schedule appointments to provide necessary services while managing the number of people within our reception area," Buxton-Carr wrote. "Our Operational Communications Centres are open and fully functioning and the public is advised to call 911 in the event of an emergency.”
As of Monday (March 16), there were 74 confirmed cased in the province, with 52 cases in the Calgary zone, which includes Banff and Canmore. Alberta Health Services has not confirmed if there are any cases in Banff or Canmore.
“We are all in this together," said Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw in a press release last week.
"Every one of us has a role to play in protecting our families, friends and fellow Canadians. The precautionary measures you take now will help shield yourself and others, especially seniors and people with pre-existing medical conditions, from this virus."
Alberta RCMP also issued a press release Tuesday (March 17), stating while different detachments might deploy different practices, “there has been no change to the Alberta RCMP’s response to critical and emergency matters.”
“As always, if you are feeling unwell or are experiencing any of the symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please stay at home. Public safety is our top priority. The Alberta RCMP thanks the public for their patience during these exceptional circumstances,” stated RCMP in the release.
Provincial officials say anyone who has health concerns or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should complete an online assessment.
If you need to reach the Canmore detachment
Admin Line - 403-678-5519
Complaint Line - 403-678-5516
Emergency Line - 911
If you need to reach the Banff detachment
Admin Line - 403-763-6600
Complaint Line - 403-762-2226
Emergency Line - 911
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