Information and Privacy Commissioner Jill Clayton has initiated an investigation into Project OWE, the Edmonton Police Service warrant initiative, which includes a campaign to publicly identify citizens with outstanding warrants.
Commissioner Clayton says she is investigating the overall initiative to make sure that it is in compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP), with three overall objectives;
- to obtain an understanding of the purpose and intent of the campaign,
- to examine the management of personal information by EPS and the measures taken to protect personal information against risks, such as unauthorized access, collection, use and disclosure,
- to make recommendations, if necessary, to ensure the initiative is in accordance with provisions of FOIP.
“The purpose of this investigation is to make sure this initiative is being carried out in compliance with FOIP, and that consideration has been given to the protection of personal information”, says the Commissioner.
Clayton adds, “The investigation is not focused on the disclosure of information relating to particular individuals, however if people feel their personal information was released under this initiative in contravention of FOIP, they can make a complaint to my office and we will investigate.”
Results of the investigation report and subsequent recommendations will be made public.