Privacy Commissioner Critiques Regina Police Penalties for Misconduct

The Saskatchewan Privacy Commissioner has criticized the Regina Police Service (RPS) for its disciplinary actions against an officer who improperly accessed a police database to gather personal information on citizens. The investigation revealed that Constable Clinton Duquette accessed the data of six individuals on 67 occasions without a legitimate purpose over a period of three years and three months, from October 2021 to June 2024.

According to the report, published on December 11, 2024, the measures taken by RPS to address this privacy breach were deemed “wholly inadequate.” The commissioner noted that the lack of substantial repercussions for Duquette undermines public trust in the police force. The disciplinary actions imposed included a single day without pay, a mandatory one-hour refresher course on privacy, and the requirement to re-sign the RPS confidentiality protocol. Furthermore, Duquette will undergo random audits of the Integrated Electronic Information System (IEIS) database for two years.

Insufficient Measures and Recommendations

The report emphasized that such minimal penalties do not reflect the seriousness of the violations committed. “The disciplinary measures adopted by RPS in this case are wholly inadequate and will not restore public faith in the RPS,” the commissioner stated. The findings urge the RPS to adopt a culture of zero tolerance for unauthorized access to personal information, stressing that severe consequences should follow deliberate violations.

The commissioner highlighted the importance of public confidence in police operations, stating, “The public deserves to know that the RPS guards their privacy and protects their safety — the two concepts go hand in hand.”

In response to the findings, the commissioner intends to refer the matter to the Saskatchewan Attorney General for potential prosecution under the province’s privacy legislation, specifically the Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (LA FOIP).

Next Steps for Regina Police Service

RPS Chief Lorilee Davies is scheduled to address the media regarding the report’s findings at a press conference set for 15:15 local time. The department faces scrutiny as it navigates the implications of this case and strives to rebuild confidence within the community.

Further updates are expected following the press conference, as the RPS outlines its plans to address the commissioner’s recommendations and improve its handling of sensitive information. The case underscores the critical need for police transparency and accountability in safeguarding citizen privacy.