Request Police Records & FOI Access - Winnipeg

Public Safety Manitoba 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Manitoba

In Winnipeg, Manitoba, requests for police records and municipal information are handled by separate offices: the Winnipeg Police Service for police occurrence and incident records, and the City of Winnipeg Clerk/Access office for municipal records under access-to-information procedures. This guide explains who to contact, the steps to submit requests, likely fees and timelines where published, appeals and enforcement options, and practical tips to avoid delays.

What to request and who handles it

Police occurrence reports, incident records and criminal record checks are administered by the Winnipeg Police Service. Requests for municipal documents, contracts, council records, permits or bylaw files are handled by the City of Winnipeg Access/Clerk office. Identify the record type first to direct your request correctly and to include any required identity verification.

Direct police-record requests to the Winnipeg Police Service records unit and municipal records to the City Clerk.

How to request police records

  • Prepare a clear description of the record (incident number, date, location, names involved if available).
  • Confirm whether the record is a police occurrence report, accident report, or other police file; each has different submission routes and privacy limits.
  • Contact the Winnipeg Police Service records unit by the official contact channels listed in municipal resources to request the correct form and submission address.
  • Be prepared to pay any processing fee noted on the official Winnipeg Police Service records page or form.
  • Include government ID as required for personal information; requesters who are not named parties may face additional access limits.
Identity verification is commonly required for access to personal information in records.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement and penalties for improper handling of access requests, obstruction of records, or noncompliance are governed by applicable municipal policies and Manitoba access legislation as administered by the City of Winnipeg and provincial oversight bodies. Specific monetary fines and statutory penalties for obstruction or noncompliance are not specified on the cited municipal pages referenced in resources below.

  • Enforcer: City Clerk/Access Office for municipal records and Winnipeg Police Service for police records; enforcement actions are managed by those offices and, where applicable, provincial oversight agencies.
  • Appeals and review: appeals routes and statutory review timelines are referenced in provincial legislation and City policy; specific time limits are not specified on the cited municipal pages listed in resources.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to disclose, referral to oversight officers, and court proceedings are the usual non-monetary remedies where applicable.
  • Monetary fines: exact fine amounts and escalation for first or repeat offences are not specified on the cited municipal pages.
If you believe a request has been mishandled, contact the listed oversight office promptly.

Applications & Forms

The City of Winnipeg and the Winnipeg Police Service publish request forms or instructions on their official pages. Where a named, printable request form exists, submit that form with ID and any fee as directed. If no specific form is required, follow the submission instructions on the appropriate official page; the exact form names and fee schedules are documented on the official resource pages listed below.

FAQ

How long does a response usually take?
Response timelines depend on the type of record and the office processing the request; specific response timeframes are not specified on the cited municipal pages — consult the City of Winnipeg and Winnipeg Police Service resources below.
How much will it cost?
Processing fees for copies, reports or search time vary; exact fees for police occurrence reports and municipal access requests are not specified on the cited municipal pages — see the official pages in Resources for current fee schedules.
Can I get a copy of an incident report involving someone else?
Access to personal information about others is subject to privacy restrictions; third-party requests may be limited and can require consent or redaction as noted on official guidance pages.

How-To

  1. Identify whether the record is a police record or a City record.
  2. Gather identifying information: incident number, dates, names, and government ID for personal requests.
  3. Download and complete the official request form if provided, or prepare a written request following the office instructions.
  4. Pay any required fees as directed on the form or website; retain a receipt.
  5. Submit the request by the official method (in person, mail, or as specified online) and note the submission date for any appeal deadlines.
  6. If refused, follow the appeal/review directions on the official site or contact the oversight office listed in Resources.

Key Takeaways

  • Direct police-record requests to Winnipeg Police Service and municipal requests to the City Clerk/Access office.
  • Prepare clear identifiers and ID to avoid delays.
  • Fees and exact timelines are published on official pages; check the City and Police resources before applying.

Help and Support / Resources

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