EPS implements new virtual tool to help during non-emergency calls
The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) says it is deploying new virtual software to help respond to non-emergency calls more efficiently.
In a press release sent last week, EPS said it is using 911eye, a software collaboration by Calgary company Levvel Inc. and Capita Solutions in the United Kingdom, in non-emergency situations.
The tool allows EPS to follow up with someone reporting a non-emergency or non-life threatening crime remotely by sending them a link to a private video chat on their smartphone or tablet. The caller can then walk police through a situation or provide details through live video about an incident without EPS having to deploy members to a scene.
"The COVID-19 pandemic was a driving force in exploring new ways the Edmonton Police Service could continue serving the community while ensuring safety for the public and responding officers," said Supt. Warren Driechel, EPS information technology division, in a statement.
"911eye enables our officers the ability to help Edmontonians in a way that hasn't been done before: remotely," he added. "Just as 911eye helps shape the future of law enforcement, it also helps policing become more innovative in a meaningful way."
EPS says it began testing the platform in March 2020 and has recently signed on to continue using the software.
According to Levvel Inc., callers can opt into using the service. Once a user clicks the link on any smart device, the video stream with an EPS officer begins.
No footage is stored, and the EPS cannot access any other data from any device, other than the caller's geographical location, Levvel Inc. says. The video stream can be pushed to other first responder devices when it's active.
According to Dan Munkittrick, Levvel Inc. vice president, the EPS is the first police force in Canada to utilize the platform that many emergency service agencies in the U.S. and U.K. are using.
"It's exciting to share that the Edmonton Police Service is a pioneer in the Canadian emergency services sector," Munkittrick said in a statement. "Enabling responders and call-takers to see vital real-time footage to make informed decisions will reduce risk and cost."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Man convicted of involuntary manslaughter in father's drowning, told police he was baptizing him
A Massachusetts man who told police he was exorcising a demon and performing a baptism when he shoved his father's head under water multiple times has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in his death.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.