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
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.