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RCMP app

Alberta RCMP launches new app

Jan 7, 2022 | 12:38 PM

The Alberta RCMP has released a new app, with the goal of helping make its detachments more accessible to people in the province.

Chief Superintendent Peter Tewfix says this app will give users various tools to help keep them safe and informed.

“We’ve heard from Albertans across the province they wanted an easy way to report some crimes online. While our online crime reporting portal has been available for some time through the web, we’ve included a link to our portal for reporting some crime types to the RCMP.”

Tewfix adds that while you can report a crime through the app, if you see a crime taking place, you should still call 911.

He adds you can also do more than just report a crime on the app.

“The app will also provide the public with RCMP news, detachment locations and contact information, crime mapping and statistics, information on organizational initiatives and more,” Tewix explained.

“Users will also have instant access to links for partner law enforcement agencies, mental health supports, Crime Stoppers and RCMP social media accounts.”

Various other RCMP jurisdictions and local police forces across Canada do have apps similar to the Alberta RCMP’s.

Tewfix says the goal of the app isn’t to change up how things are done, but rather just give Albertans another tool to help keep them safe.

“There are other policing services that have implemented an app similar to ours. We know we want to improve our communication with our communities and the public,” he stated.

“We want to lower our barriers to that communication, so we’ve built that into our resourcing so we can continue to develop and innovate. This is meant to just add another layer and a way of accessing us. All of our traditional methods continue and this is just a supplement to all of the other services we have.”

The app will also not require users to give out any personal information while using it.

“That is in full compliance with Canadian privacy laws for mobile apps. The Alberta RCMP app does not track or monitor users in anyway. Please note, the app itself collects no information or location data, but features in the app may open up your web browser and the web browser may be collecting information. That information is not passed onto the RCMP or being collected by the RCMP.”

The app is free to download and can be found wherever you get your apps.