How Kamloops Mounties are adapting to the pandemic

Photo: Brendan Kergin

Police lights.

The Kamloops RCMP detachment has issued a public service announcement about how it's operating during the pandemic. 

Police continue to respond in person and in a timely manner, according to Cpl. Jodi Shelkie. When necessary, Mounties will be redeployed from non-essential positions to the front lines to meet core policing functions.

In the PSA, she notes lower-priority calls may be handled by an officer over the phone. 

When dialing 911 or the non-emergency number (250-828-3000), callers might be asked additional questions. The new questions are focused on whether anyone is in the caller's home or at the scene of an incident and has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or is exhibiting symptoms.

"We ask that the public listen closely and provide accurate and honest answers to these questions. It's important to note that a risk of potential exposure to COVID-19 will not stop our police officers from attending priority calls in your community," says Shelkie in the PSA. "These questions allow our frontline officer to appropriately prepare for their attendance to the scene, allowing them to take the necessary steps to keep themselves and others safe."

Officers may be wearing personal protective equipment, depending on the situation they're responding to. This could include a face mask, disposable gloves and protective eye wear, says Shelkie. 

RCMP are asking locals to report non-emergency incidents online.

On Wednesday night, local police responded to three stabbings.