ASSI is a professional
collision report management company that facilitates a partnership between
police and insurance providers by providing post-collision assistance to motorists.
Following minor collisions, involved individuals report to a CRC to have ASSI
staff assist them in completing a police report. Once centres open, individuals
will no longer report to EPS division front counters or wait roadside for a
police response, providing a more streamlined reporting process and increasing
safety by clearing roadways faster.
EPS’ participation in
the CRC program means that officers who would otherwise respond to minor injury
and property damage collisions are available to respond to higher priority
calls for service.
“We’re always looking
for opportunities to improve service delivery and introduce innovative business
practices that help us use our resources more efficiently,” says EPS Chief of
Police, Dale McFee. “It can take several hours from the time a collision occurs
to the conclusion of an investigation, which ties up officers and leaves
motorists waiting. The centres won’t just improve how we’re using our resources,
they’ll also create a safer environment for Edmonton’s motorists by moving the
reporting process off the roadway and into a dedicated space.”
For major collisions with injuries
requiring EMS presence, a fatality, or criminal activity, motorists must still
call 9-1-1 for police and emergency response. EPS will also continue to attend
other collisions requiring statutory police response such as those involving
suspended drivers, transportation of dangerous goods and extensive damage to
private or government property. Motorists involved in collisions resulting in
minor injury and property damage that do not meet the above criteria will be
required to visit the nearest CRC as EPS division front counters will no longer take those reports. Details on EPS collision response can be found at edmontonpolice.ca/ReportACollision.
Upon arrival at a CRC,
ASSI staff will guide motorists through the process of filing a report, which includes
taking pictures of vehicle damage and contacting family members and/or
insurance providers. The centres are motorists’ one-stop-shop following a
collision, with ASSI providing the necessary guidance to file a report in a
safe and efficient manner.
“At ASSI we are
committed to providing the highest level of customer service, as well as
assisting police with identifying collision trends to proactively prevent
collision through the use of our Microsoft award winning ‘Collision Reporting
& Occurrence Management System’ (CROMS). We are really excited to partner
with Edmonton Police Service, to provide the motorists of Edmonton with this
enhanced service in their time of need,” says ASSI President, Steve Sanderson.
ASSI will be opening two CRCs: one in north (15750 116 Avenue) and one in south (5805 87A Street) Edmonton. EPS and
ASSI will conduct a public education campaign to ensure motorists are aware of
the new reporting process prior to opening.
ASSI operates CRCs in several Canadian
communities in conjunction with local police services, including Toronto,
Grande Prairie and Medicine Hat. The service comes at no cost to EPS or the
public and is funded by the insurance providers who support the program. More
information on ASSI can be found at accsupport.com.