The Cobourg Police Service is proud to partner with Accident Support Services International Ltd. (ASSI) on the upcoming implementation of the Collision Reporting Centre located at the Cobourg Police Service Customer Service Centre. The new Collision Reporting Center is scheduled to open in mid-January 2019. A future release will confirm the date and time of the grand opening and hours of operation.
The Collision Reporting Centre is intended to provide a service to the public within the context of community policing and a continuance of the Cobourg Police Service’s model of “Tiered Policing”. Police Services are not immune to the pressures facing everyone else in delivering cost effective yet efficient services. In order to free our resources to deal with emergency and serious incidents, it is necessary for the public to assist us by attending the station and completing reports.
In most instances where an insurance claim is a factor, there are substantial delays in having such claims processed by the insurer. Reporting Centres, because of their affiliation with the insurance industry have had considerable success in reducing the average number of days required in the preliminary handling of collision claims. In addition, Special Constables will provide information and assistance to claimants, and the digital photographs taken during investigations are helpful in settling claims without acrimonious arguments as to the extent of the damage.
The Cobourg Police Service Collision Reporting Centre will provide enhanced value to the public in the reporting of motor vehicle collisions. The self-reporting and one-on-one interview process simplifies the reporting process, and adds value to the customer service aspect. Police and Insurers will now have real-time access to collision data and reports through ASSI’s Microsoft award winning Collision Reporting & Occurrence Management System (CROMS). All collision data captured is used for analysis and focused policing initiatives. Citizens will have the convenience of a safe, convenient location where they can attend to complete their report. Police will continue to investigate collisions at the scene that involve injuries, suspected criminal activities, severe damage (vehicle is not drivable or requires a tow truck), hazardous goods or conditions are involved, unwilling exchange of information and/or disputes between involved parties, unknown circumstances are involved or damage to private property.
The Cobourg Police Service Collision Reporting Centre is located at 107 King Street West in the Town of Cobourg at the Cobourg Police Station. Vehicles will be directed to park in the assigned Collision Reporting Centre parking along the east side of Hibernia Street. Upon arrival at the centre, citizens are greeted by a member of Cobourg Police Services’ staff, including a Special Constable who provides help to complete the police report, applies the “Damage Reported to Police” sticker, photographs the damage to the vehicle, and offers the customer the opportunity to contact family, broker or insurance company directly from the Centre. The citizen is provided with a one-stop service opportunity for all their reporting needs.
The goal of the Cobourg Police Service is to facilitate an active partnership between ASSI and insurers in post-accident care by providing knowledgeable advice and assistance to accident victims with empathy, integrity and availability. This results in increased conveniences for the public as well as greater road safety.
“The new Collision Reporting Centre will employ the trained skills of our Special Constables to provide timely collision investigation, ease of reporting and processing insurance claims and critical analysis that will be used to focus police resources to enhance road safety” said Chief of Police Kai Liu.
For more information please visit www.cobourgpolice.com.
Questions concerning the Collision Reporting Centre may be directed to Special Constable Jacob Spicer (jacob.spicer@cobourgpolice.com or 905-372-6821) or Staff Sergeant Scott Bambridge (scott.bambridge@cobourgpolice.com or 905-372-6821 ext. 2203).
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
