Ontario Provincial Police in Windsor-Essex would like to remind residents that leaving an after-hours voicemail to report a crime won't cut it.
The detachment, which covers policing in Essex, Kingsville, Lakeshore, Leamington, Pelee Island, and Tecumseh, said it is still getting calls for police help that are left on detachment answering machines. The OPP also says it is still hearing about incidents after the fact through third parties. Both scenarios often result in unnecessary delays in getting law enforcement help to residents.
Detachment phones are answered from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. If you are dealing with a situation where life or property is immediately threatened, call 911.
If your need for police is non-urgent, but you would still like to see or speak with an officer, call the OPP's toll-free communications centre at 1-888-310-1122. The call will be answered 24/7 by a trained OPP dispatcher, who will then direct it to the proper detachment to be answered by officers on duty.
A courtesy phone can also be found outside each detachment building, which can connect you with the OPP communications centre immediately.
Essex County residents served by the OPP are encouraged to use the toll-free number if they need help on a non-urgent issue, and leave 911 for life-or-death emergencies only.
