Freedom of Information Requests (FOI)
What is it?
Under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act individuals can request access to any record held by government institutions, including a local police service. Requests for copies of records that already exist within the files of this police service are made through the Freedom of Information Unit.
All requests made through this Unit are responded to in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This Unit will ensure that all federal and provincial laws are upheld when the Service provides information to the general public. For example, some requests for information contain the personal information of others and therefore can only be released with the consent of that individual.
In order to make a request you may attend the Stratford Police Service, located at 17 George Street West, Stratford, Ontario and fill out an application form. You will be required to pay the legislated $5.00 application fee (cash only) at the time of filling out the request. Please note you will be asked to provide photo identification at the time your request is made.
If you are request information about yourself, your request is considered a “personal information request”. All other requests for information, whether about a person other than yourself or about a government program or activity are considered “general information requests”.
If your request is for personal information, it may be subject to 20 cents per page photocopying charges above the $5.00 application fee.
If your request is for general information, it may be subject to $30.00 per hour search time, $30.00 per hour preparation time, $56.50 per officer’s notes/witness statements and 20 cents per page photocopying charges above the application fee.
Please note that you will be given a fee estimate if anticipated fees are $25.00 or more. If the estimate of fees to be paid is $100.00 or more, you will required to pay a 50% deposit. For further information about fees that may be charged, contact the Freedom of Information Unit.
Under the Municipal Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act, the Access to Information Unit has 30 days to respond to your request.
Sending information to us over the Internet is neither secure nor verifiable. As your request contains personal and sensitive information, we ask that you use one of the methods listed above when making your inquires.
If you have any questions regarding making a request under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, you may contact this office at (519) 271-4147 ext. 275.
How to Obtain
Agencies outside of Stratford may submit a request in writing and mail it to:
Freedom of Information Unit
Stratford Police Service
17 George Street West
Stratford, ON N5A 7V4
When mailing your request, please be sure to include a cheque or money order payable to the Stratford Police Service. It is also important to include your address and a telephone number where you may be reached should your request need to be clarified.
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