Introduction to Information Access and Privacy

The Introduction to Information Access and Privacy course provides a brief overview of Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA – based on privacy laws in the Province of Ontario) and its application to police records. It provides a detailed description of personal information, types of records, record release practices and privacy breach protocol. The course also includes concrete examples of how privacy legislation affects day-to-day activities of all members of a police service.

Learning objectives for this course include to:

• Inform members on current legislation and protection of police records
• Define personal information
• Explain what constitutes a record
• Explore what information can be shared with internal members, outside agencies, members of the public and involved parties
• Explore when information can be shared (ongoing investigations, before the courts)
• Describe privacy breaches and actions required in accordance with protocol

Target Audience

Sworn Police, Police Civilian, Public Safety Officer, Peace Officer / Special Constable

Content Provider

Content for this course was developed and provided by the Access to Information Unit of the Waterloo Regional Police Service.