EPS closing front counters to minor crash reports, bringing in third-party to file complaints
In an effort to streamline services, Edmonton Police Service will no longer have drivers report minor crashes at stations or call police to a scene.
Instead, EPS is opening a collision reporting centre in both south and north Edmonton where motorists will file a report, including pictures, insurance information, and personal contacts.
The offices at 15750 116 Ave. and 5805 87A St. are scheduled to open in late September and are expected to free up three officers right away, and as many as 15 in the near future.
McFee said officers process about 34,000 crashes annually, a "considerable amount of administrative work."
"They can be some of the most time-consuming tasks our people perform, and they happen daily. Usually when traffic is at its heaviest, creating safety issues and frustrations for motorists," McFee said.
"[The] centre allows officers who would otherwise attend other collisions to attend higher priority calls for services and by moving the process from roadside and our front counters to a dedicated space staffed with experts."
The offices will be operated by Accident Support Services International Ltd. (ASSI) — a company that serves as a middle man between police and insurance providers — at no cost to police or the public.
One of Edmonton's two new crash-reporting centres, located at 15750 116 Ave. (Evan Klippenstein/CTV News Edmonton)
Drivers will have to report crashes at these two locations within 24 hours.
"Damage to vehicles will be photographed and included in the collision report, which can be forwarded directly to the driver's insurer at their request," ASSI president Steve Sanderson explained.
"We take 11 pictures; we photograph the damage, we photograph the backseat for baby seats, we photograph the steering wheel to see if the airbag's been deployed."
ASSI has 41 centres across Canada, including in Grande Prairie and Medicine Hat.
Major collisions – those involving a fatality or criminal element, or which require EMS response – should still be called in to 911.
Collisions must be reported to police if the vehicles have a combined damage of more than $2,000.
Police will also continue to attend crashes as required by legislation – such as in the case of a suspended driver – and when the crash involved dangerous goods transportation or resulted in extensive damage.
Once the reporting centres are open, EPS station front counters will not take reports for all other minor crashes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
A candidate for Germany's key party was beaten up while campaigning for European elections
A candidate for Chancellor Olaf Scholz's center-left party in next month's election for the European Parliament was beaten up and seriously injured while campaigning in an eastern city, the party said Saturday.
Explosion at train station leads to discovery of stolen car on Montreal's South Shore: police
Police are investigating after a BMW exploded in the St-Lambert Exo train station parking lot on Montreal's South Shore.
The pros and cons of discussing mental health issues in the workplace
A group of lawyers has written what they call a groundbreaking book about how mental health is perceived in the legal profession.