If you’ve been in the lobby of the Regina Police Service lately, you may have noticed a new addition. This spring (June 1, 2022), the RPS Virtual Police Reporting System (VPRS) was launched. This platform expands our service delivery by linking members of the public with police officers via video.
When a member of the public comes into the police station to report a crime that meets the criteria for VPRS, they will be sent to a booth equipped with a computer and headphones, rather than waiting in the queue to speak with an Inquiry Officer at the Front Desk. Once seated in front of the monitor, that member of the public will be greeted by a uniformed officer who will take the report virtually, in real time.
Multiple types of crime can be reported to police through this virtual platform. That includes, but is not limited to:
- Online frauds
- Phone scams
- Hit & Run
- Theft of Autos
Between June 1, 2022 and October 31, 2022, VPRS members took 178 reports through the platform. On average, each report took just over an hour. The ability to take these reports virtually increases options for reporting and ultimately reduces wait times for members of the public in queue to speak to an Inquiry Officer at the Front Desk.
Due to the early success of this virtual platform for both the public and the Regina Police Service, we are exploring expansion of the Virtual Police Reporting System in 2023. We plan to expand reportable crime categories appropriate for the VPRS, place additional booths in our new lobby, and make other technical upgrades which will enhance/increase service delivery options for members of the public.
