The privacy watchdog for Saskatchewan has publicly criticized the Regina Police Service (RPS) for its handling of a serious internal breach, where an officer was found to have improperly accessed the personal information of six people using a confidential police database.
Details of the Privacy Breach
The investigation, confirmed by the province's Information and Privacy Commissioner, found that a serving officer with the Regina Police Service misused the internal database system. The officer accessed private records related to six individuals without any legitimate law enforcement purpose or authorization. Such databases typically contain highly sensitive personal information, including addresses, contact details, and potentially criminal records or interaction histories.
The breach was uncovered and reported internally, leading to a disciplinary process within the police service. While the specific identities of the six affected individuals and the officer's motives have not been publicly disclosed, the commissioner's report highlights a failure in both individual conduct and systemic oversight.
Commissioner Criticizes Disciplinary Response
A key point of contention from the privacy commissioner is the perceived inadequacy of the penalties imposed on the officer by the Regina Police Service. The commissioner's office has expressed concern that the internal disciplinary measures did not sufficiently reflect the gravity of the violation of citizens' privacy rights.
This case underscores the significant power entrusted to law enforcement personnel with access to sensitive data and the critical need for robust safeguards and accountability. The incident occurred and was investigated in the period leading up to the commissioner's statement on December 18, 2025.
Broader Implications for Police Accountability
This is not an isolated incident in Canada, where similar cases of "snooping" or "curiosity searches" by officials in positions of trust have occurred in other jurisdictions. The commissioner's public criticism serves to highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring that powerful data access tools are used strictly for their intended public safety purposes.
The Regina Police Service now faces public scrutiny over its internal controls and disciplinary protocols. The case raises important questions about the transparency of police discipline and whether internal penalties are enough of a deterrent against the misuse of private information. It also reinforces the essential role of independent oversight bodies in holding public institutions accountable for protecting citizen data.
