By Medicine Hat News on March 19, 2020.
The Alberta RCMP announced Monday that they’re making some changes to detachment operations as a response to the COVID-19 outbreak. As of Wednesday, detachments are suspending all non-essential front counter service, such as criminal record background checks, until further notice. The RCMP is encouraging people to call into the detachment before they come to the station, in case their matter can be managed over the phone. The officer will determine on the phone whether the call requires face-to-face interaction. Their emergency command centre will remain in full service. Alberta RCMP commanding officer Curtis Zablocki says the changes are being implemented to protect the safety of officers and the public. “As Alberta’s provincial police service, we have sound business continuity plans in place to ensure Albertans can continue to count on us every day, including during times of public health emergencies,” he said. 7