Lethbridge Police enhance online reporting

The Lethbridge Police Service has enhanced online reporting, including the addition of a new way to report traffic concerns.

Citizens will now have more online options to report less serious incidents that are non-emergent and do not require the attendance of police. The changes will also increase police capacity by freeing up officer time to investigate more serious, complex matters. 

Online reporting was first introduced in 2011 and since that time the program has remained relatively unchanged. Following a recent review to identify best practices, including comparisons with other agencies, police have increased the parameters for theft and mischief reports from a maximum of $5,000 to $10,000. A new “traffic complaint” option has also been added where citizens can report driving complaints.

Police accept online reports for the following incidents:

• Lost property (not including Canadian passports, license plates, firearms or weapons)
• Damage/mischief to property under $10,000
• Damage/mischief to vehicle under $10,000
• Theft under $10,000 (not including Canadian passports, license plates, firearms or weapons)
• Theft from vehicle under $10,000
• Information only reports (to document nuisance or non-criminal incidents)
• Traffic complaints (non-emergent incidents involving dangerous or aggressive driving)

In order for an online report to be accepted there must be no suspects or the identity of a suspect unknown (photos of a culprit does not constitute a suspect), no personal violence involved in the incident, no tangible evidence, the matter does not involve domestic violence or a hate-motived crime, and must have occurred in Lethbridge.

The new “traffic complaint” category, will provide citizens with two options to report situations that are considered non-emergent – no imminent or ongoing danger to the public. 

If a license plate has been obtained, and the complainant is willing to provide a statement and serve as a witness in court in the event charges are laid, they must attend the police station and provide a written statement. Upon receiving the completed statement, an investigation will be initiated.

If the complainant is satisfied with a warning letter from police to the registered owner, they will complete a report online providing their information and sufficient details of the alleged offence. Upon submission, the report will be reviewed to identify alleged offences and a warning letter may be issued to the registered owner. 

Collisions, impaired drivers and incidents where there is an immediate concern for the safety of the public cannot be reported online. 

To file an Online Report, visit lethbridgepolice.ca