Services Request a Report

Access to records under the Freedom of Information Act

The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act was implemented on January 1, 1991. Since the inception of the Act requests for access to information have increased over tenfold. The Sarnia Police Service employs a full-time Information Clerk to oversee the administration of the Act.

The Act provides individuals with a right of access to certain records and personal information under the custody and control of the police. The purposes of the Act are twofold:

1. To provide the right of access to information under the control of the police in accordance with the principles that information should be available to the public, exemptions from this right of access should be limited and specific and decisions on disclosure should be reviewed independently; and
2. To protect the privacy of individuals.

How do I request a report through the Freedom of Information Act?

If you have not already spoken to a police officer regarding your non-emergency occurrence, please call Sarnia Police Service at 519-344-8861, ext. 5263 to report your occurrence and initiate an investigation.

Download Freedom of Information Request

If you need to view a pre-existing report or obtain a copy of a report, please download and print the Freedom of Information Request form. Fill it out completely. Ensure that you read the disclosure box and complete appropriately.

Provide Sarnia Police with a brief description of the incident in question. Sign the bottom of the form and bring it to police station with one piece of photo government ID. A $5.00 fee applies. Once a request has been made, you will be notified within 30 days regarding disclosure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my name as the requester be disclosed to the other individuals mentioned in the report?
Your name will only be disclosed if you give consent for disclosure.

I would like to access a number of different incidents. Do I have to make more than one request?
You should submit a form for each request.

I don’t know the report number, how do I ask for it?
You should provide as much detail as possible to enable a search of our records. Please include your name, address, telephone number, date of birth, date of incident, location and type of incident and officer’s name and badge number (if known).

I only want my information in a police report, is that possible?
Yes, the application form asks if you want the police to contact affected individuals. If you indicate ‘no’ only your personal information will be processed for disclosure.