Windsor Police updating public access, expanding online services

WINDSOR POLICE NEWS RELEASE
Windsor Police updating public access, expanding online services

The Windsor Police Service is changing how some public services are delivered and expanding online crime reporting to align with policing best practices across Ontario and put more officers where they are needed most – on the road.

Beginning November 2, 2026, Windsor Police headquarters at 150 Goyeau Street will be open to the public Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., including statutory holidays. The revised schedule will replace the current seven-day public access hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The change in hours follows a strategic review of front counter visits and peak service times. 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.

The Service is also reviewing how in-person Information Services can best be delivered at headquarters. Information Services assists members of the public with police record checks, occurrence confirmations, report copies, fingerprinting, and other records-related requests. The review will consider service demand, community needs, and practices used by police services across Ontario.

In addition, the Service is creating a dedicated Online Reporting Unit to review and process eligible crime reports submitted through its online reporting portal. Staffed by sworn members, the unit will help process reports efficiently and reduce the demand on frontline officers, allowing them to focus on calls requiring an in-person police response.

“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 changes build on the Service’s ongoing work to modernize service delivery and strengthen response. Recent initiatives include the Dedicated Officer Program at Windsor Regional Hospital, which helps return patrol officers to service more quickly; expanded Nurse Police and Crisis Response teams to better support people in crisis; patrol district realignments to improve response across Windsor; and changes to how certain follow-up patrol files are assigned to keep frontline officers available to respond to calls for service.

Emergency police services remain available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Residents should call 9-1-1 for emergencies. For non-emergency police assistance, residents are encouraged to first visit the Windsor Police Service website to determine whether their matter can be handled through Online Reporting before contacting the non-emergency line. Eligible non-emergency incidents can be reported online at www.windsorpolice.ca/services/reporting/online.