There are two different methods of obtaining a police report, and certain factors will dictate which method is most appropriate for you. In all cases, the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act guides us when releasing any information.
Method 1
Make application for the report(s) through our Freedom of Information Branch. All requests must be accompanied by a $5.00 fee and a signed application form, and will be responded to within thirty (30) days. We will need to confirm your identity at the time the request is submitted. You must also be a named party within the report(s) you are seeking.
All third party information (names and addresses of persons other than yourself) will be severed from the reports unless those persons give us specific permission to leave their information intact. A report will not be released if there are charges pending before the courts arising from that incident (including outstanding warrants of arrest). Additional fees may be involved, based on the number of pages released.
Method 2
Make a request for a 'synopsis'. This is simply a one or two paragraph summary of the incident on police letterhead. No third party information is released; and you must be a named party within the report(s), but not as the accused or suspect (if so, you must seek the report through the Freedom of Information Branch). Again, there cannot be any charges pending before the courts. It will be necessary for you to complete a 'Consent to Release' form, and remit a fee of $40.00 (GST included). We will need to confirm your identity at the time the request is submitted. The summary will be ready within thirty (30) days of your request, and will be mailed out to you.
Requests made on your behalf:
If your lawyer is making the request on your behalf, Consent to Release form is still required, and you must sign it.