Request Police Records in Oshawa - Access to Information

Public Safety Ontario 4 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In Oshawa, Ontario, requests for police records are handled through Durham Regional Police Service under Ontario's access regime. This guide explains how to request occurrence reports, disclosure of records, who enforces disclosure rules, what forms or fees may apply, and how to appeal a refusal. It is written for residents and requestors who need practical steps to submit a request, verify identity, and track processing with the police FOI unit.

Personal records requests usually require proof of identity and processing time.

How to request police records

Start by identifying the exact record type (occurrence report, CAD report, witness statement or records check). Prepare the incident date, location, file or occurrence number, and photo ID for requests about your own file. Submit a written request to the Durham Regional Police Service Freedom of Information (FOI) unit; contact details and instructions are provided by the police FOI page [1]. The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) governs municipal records access in Ontario [2], and the provincial Information and Privacy Commissioner explains complaint and review routes [3].

  • Identify record: incident date, location, occurrence number.
  • Gather ID: government photo ID and proof of address for personal records.
  • Contact FOI unit: submit request in writing to DRPS FOI as directed on the DRPS FOI page.[1]
  • Pay any applicable fees: see the DRPS FOI instructions for fee schedule or note when the cited page does not specify fees.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of access and privacy obligations for police records involves the Durham Regional Police Service as the records holder and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario for oversight of MFIPPA. Specific monetary fines or statutory penalties for improper disclosure or failing to comply with an access request are not specified on the cited municipal pages; consult the MFIPPA statute for offence provisions [2].

  • Enforcer: Durham Regional Police Service FOI Coordinator and the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario for reviews and orders.[1]
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offences and specific ranges are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to disclose or to withhold records, directions from the IPC, and court actions may apply under MFIPPA; specific remedies are set out by the IPC and statute.[2]
  • Appeals/review: complaints and review requests go to the Information and Privacy Commissioner; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited municipal pages.[3]
If access is refused, file a complaint with the provincial privacy commissioner to request a review.

Applications & Forms

  • FOI request form: check the Durham Regional Police Service FOI page for the official request form and submission instructions.[1]
  • Fees: fee schedule or application fee amounts are not specified on the cited DRPS page; follow the FOI page directions for current fees.[1]
  • Submission: typically mail, in-person or email to the FOI Coordinator as listed on the DRPS FOI page.[1]

Common violations and examples

  • Unauthorized disclosure of third-party personal information — remedy: IPC review or court action (specific penalties not specified on cited pages).
  • Failure to respond to an FOI request within statutory timelines — enforcement details not specified on the cited municipal pages.
  • Improper redaction or withholding without relying on MFIPPA exemptions — subject to IPC review.

FAQ

Who do I contact to request a police report?
Send a written FOI request to the Durham Regional Police Service FOI unit; see the DRPS FOI page for contact details and submission instructions.[1]
How long will it take to receive records?
Processing times depend on complexity and third-party consultations; specific statutory processing timelines and extensions are described in MFIPPA and on the IPC site.[2][3]
Can I get someone elses police record?
Third-party personal information is subject to privacy exemptions; disclosure requires balancing under MFIPPA and may be withheld or redacted.

How-To

  1. Identify the record (date, location, occurrence number, names involved).
  2. Gather proof of identity if you request your own records (photo ID and proof of address).
  3. Complete and submit the FOI request form or a written request to the Durham Regional Police Service FOI Coordinator as directed on the DRPS FOI page.[1]
  4. Pay required fees if requested by the FOI unit; follow the invoice or fee guidance from DRPS.
  5. If denied, file a complaint or request a review with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario following the IPC process.[3]

Key Takeaways

  • Durham Regional Police Service handles Oshawa police records requests under MFIPPA.
  • Prepare precise incident details and ID before submitting an FOI request.
  • Appeals and reviews are handled by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Durham Regional Police Service  Freedom of Information
  2. [2] Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) - Ontario
  3. [3] Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario

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