New patrol model moves more police to frontline, reduces front counter hours
A redistribution of resources within the Edmonton Police Service is taking effect this week, with the organization saying there will be more officers on the frontline.
In October, EPS announced organizational changes would result in 62 positions being moved to add to existing patrols and create a new 10-squad patrol model.
As a result of moving officers, there will be service implications that the public will notice, added EPS, including reducing the hours of operation at some station front counters and closing the Northwest Police Station's front counter.
Police also cited the opening of two new collision reporting centres for minor crashes as another way the service is moving officers back to patrolling the streets.
- Involved in a crash in Edmonton? You'll no longer report it to EPS
- Nearly 400 crashes reported to collision centres during Edmonton's first snowfall
"There is no question that the community wants to see frontline policing be a bigger priority, even within a tough resource environment," said Deputy Chief Darren Derko in a news release. "This model will help us achieve this, while also allowing us to look after the wellness of our members."
The new patrol model was designed with input from frontline members, police say.
"With growing needs and a front-line service that is still recovering from more than two years of COVID impacts, we know we have to make some tough changes to get the right people in the right places at the right times," Derko added.
As of Monday, under the new resource distribution, all EPS division's front counters will close for the weekend, except for the Downtown Division, which will remain open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.
The southeast, southwest, west and northeast division front counters' weekday hours of operation will switch to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Break and enter, damage to property, lost property, theft from a vehicle under $5,000, sexual assault, fraud and theft under $5,000 can be reported online using the EPS website or mobile app. Other crimes can be reported by calling the non-emergency line at 780-423-4567.
To report an emergency, dial 911.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates: 'Extremely dangerous' Hurricane Milton brings high winds, destructive waves
U.S. forecasters are warning of destructive waves, devastating winds and flash floods through the week as Hurricane Milton makes its way from the Yucatan Peninsula toward Florida.
Baby Boomers are living longer than previous generations but have worse health, study finds
Baby Boomers may be expected to live longer than their predecessors, but a recent study has found that they are more likely to suffer from worse health than previous generations.
'They are just ruthless': Toronto senior loses $27,000 to roofing scam
A Toronto senior says she can’t believe that two roofers took advantage of her, despite knowing she was recently widowed and suffering from a painful disability.
Is it safe to buy from Temu and Shein? Here's what Canada says it's doing to try to protect consumers
As U.S. regulators push for an investigation into what they call 'deadly baby and toddler products' from foreign e-commerce sites, health officials in Canada say they haven't determined whether any laws or regulations have been broken.
'Extremely disappointed': Family of homicide victim storms out of courtroom as judge reads decision
Emotions boiled over after a judge acquitted two out of three defendants in a manslaughter case, while the third accused has since died.
Is Disney World still open as Hurricane Milton strengthens to a Category 5?
Despite Hurricane Milton evolving into a Category 5 storm, Walt Disney World Resort remains open to the public and will operate as normal. However, the park announced a few closures in an abundance of caution.
Elevator mechanic mistakes artwork for trash, throws it out
An elevator mechanic mistakenly threw out a piece of artwork, made to look like empty beer cans, assuming it was litter, a Dutch museum revealed earlier this month.
Kathy Bates shocked she forgot this moment in her 1991 Oscars speech
For years, Kathy Bates has believed she missed thanking someone pivotal during her acceptance speech after she won the Oscar for best actress in 1991 for her performance in 'Misery.'
Most fathers say they spend equal time caring for their child — fewer mothers agree, survey says
When it comes to raising a child, the majority of fathers say they share tasks equally, but fewer mothers tend to say the same thing, according to a Statistics Canada survey.