A change is coming to how Windsor Police Service delivers some of its public services and expands online crime reporting.
"These changes are about making better use of our resources while providing residents with more options for reporting crimes and accessing services," said Police Chief Jason Crowley. "We're providing more ways for residents to access services online, while ensuring those who need in-person assistance can still receive it. At the same time, we're creating capacity to enable more officers to respond to calls and support our community."
The police service said the change is in line with policing best practices across Ontario. It also said the change will put more officers on the street.
Starting November 2, Windsor Police headquarters in downtown Windsor will be open to the public, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on statutory holidays. Right now, the building is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
"The change in hours follows a strategic review of front counter visits and peak service times," said a release from Windsor Police. "The updated schedule will better align staffing with front counter needs, while increasing the availability of officers for frontline duties, including responding to calls for service."
It's also reviewing how it delivers in-person Information Services at headquarters. It assists the public with police record checks, occurrence confirmations, copies of reports, fingerprinting, and other record-related requests. That review will consider the community's needs, demand for service, and how police services across Ontario deliver those services.
A dedicated Online Reporting Unit will review and process crime reports submitted through its online reporting portal. Members of Windsor Police will help process those reports, reducing the workload of frontline officers so they can focus on calls requiring an in-person response.
The changes build on the service's ongoing efforts to modernize service delivery and strengthen police response.
