Jane MacLatchy, Commanding Officer of the Manitoba RCMP, has released a statement regarding RCMP services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The statement is as follows:

This is a challenging time for so many within our province, across the country and around the world. The emergence and spread of COVID-19 has affected every facet of daily life and changed how organizations, including the Manitoba RCMP, carry out their work and interact with the public.

While how you interact with us may change slightly, be assured that our officers will continue to patrol communities, respond to calls and investigate criminal activity across Manitoba.

In addition, significant planning is underway to ensure that the Manitoba RCMP can continue to provide you, and the communities we serve, with critical policing services no matter the circumstances.  We are very much aware that our work is dependent upon the health of our officers and this is where you can help us the most.

To help keep our officers on the road and in our communities, if your matter is not urgent, please do not visit a detachment. If you need to speak with an officer or want to file a criminal report, please call ahead and make arrangements. The officer may be able to take your report over the phone or may direct you to meet at an alternate location.

As always, if it’s an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number. When you call, you will be asked additional questions concerning your health. This is to ensure that officers can take appropriate safety precautions. When our officers respond, you may see them wearing personal protective equipment such as a face mask. This is for your safety and that of our police officers.

Every single one of our officers remains committed to your security during these difficult times. However, to truly get through this, we will all need to work together. Be kind to one and other, take care of those around you, and do everything you personally can to adhere to the recommendations of public health officials.

These are truly unprecedented times but rest assured that the Manitoba RCMP will always be here for you and for your communities.