THUNDER BAY — An updated system for reporting incidents to Thunder Bay Police online provides some options that weren't previously available.
TBPS announced the launch of the revamped online reporting service Wednesday.
The new system, provided by Rubicon, allows 16 types of non-emergency incidents – an increase of about seven over the previous system – to be reported from the convenience of a computer, tablet or smartphone.
It also makes it easier for users to upload photos or videos as evidence.
The kinds of incidents eligible for reporting include suspicious activity such as drug-trafficking, theft, vandalism, fraud, traffic violations and missing identification.
Incidents must have occurred within the jurisdiction of the Thunder Bay Police Service.
TBPS said the platform also enables users to have links to specific report types sent directly to them via text message.
Users receive a confirmation notice once a report has been submitted, and then have the option of receiving updates on the status of their report via email.
"With the previous system, we had heard from members of the public a lot of times that they would submit a report and then would never know what happened to it," said Matt Vis, media relations coordinator for TBPS.
"With this new system...they receive a confirmation notice that has a report number that they have access to, and they're able to print off the report they submitted if they so choose. As well, when they provide an email address they also receive an update when the report has been reviewed or approved by an officer, and if there is a need for an officer to follow up with them, they would be contacted as well."
In the case of emergencies, Vis emphasized that people should always call 911 for assistance.
