The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has issued findings into a complaint against the Edmonton Police Service regarding a name search in 2005. The Office found the search was not in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. The investigation determined the name search was not for a law enforcement purpose, as allowed under section 39(1) (a) of the FOIP Act.
The Commissioner’s Office made no findings on a second complaint by the individual on a name search dating back to 2000.
The Edmonton Police Service has recently amended its rules for accessing police information systems. The amendments provide clarification to EPS members as to what are appropriate or inappropriate queries and reinforces the fact that all searches must be for a law enforcement purpose.