Closure of the Westmount Community Police Station
The reasons for the closure of Westmount Community Station from Chief KNECHT are as follows:
- The EPS is always looking at ways to improve the delivery of its services consistent with community needs, trends, and patterns of crime and disorder.
- Effective February 27, 2012, the front counter (walk in reporting service) of the Westmount Community Station, located at 13326 – 114 Avenue, will be permanently closed to the public. This space will continue to be used by some EPS members, including NET, and Inglewood Beats.
- Despite this gradual reduction in the volume of crimes, Edmonton continues to experience a marked increase in the severity of violence, as evidenced by the current homicide rate. The record number of cases (47 homicide investigations) in 2011 has stretched the financial and personnel resources of the EPS to the limit. To cope, positions were shifted into the Homicide Unit from other work areas, resulting in delays and staff shortages elsewhere in the organization. The closing of the front counter at Westmount Community Station, will allow one fulltime position to be transferred into the Homicide Unit.
- With the next 24 months, the EPS plans to launch a new online citizen’s reporting system. This will allow citizens to report minor crimes online at their convenience. Quite often crimes, like theft from vehicles, are not reported because citizens don’t feel it’s worth their time to go to a station and report it. Online reporting will also give EPS a more accurate picture of crime. Online reporting is currently being used by Calgary , Lethbridge and Vancouver Police Departments.
- Ongoing budget demands require that the EPS continually strive to find more efficient ways to provide service to the community without compromising the effectiveness of that service. The Westmount Community Station, while located in an area of high need, is not well-utilized by the public. The decision to close this community station was based on the fact that it no longer serves the needs of the neighbourhood in which it is situated.
Individuals in the Westmount area wishing to file a police report may do so by contacting
West Division, 16505 – 100 Avenue (426.8000)
Calder Community Station at 12540 – 132 Avenue (496-8535)
McDougall Community Station at 10620-107 Avenue (496-8611), or
Information & Reception Unit (Police Headquarters 9620-103A Ave.
Those who cannot attend a community station and require police assistance can call the EPS dispatch line at 423-4567. In the case of emergencies, individuals should dial 9-1-1. EPS is also investigating a citizen online reporting system.
· If you are unsure about how an occurrence should be reported, contact the police dispatch line at 423-4567. A police officer can provide you with the appropriate guidance. A complete list of frequently called police phone numbers is also included in the red pages of your Telus phone directory.
