Changes To Police Record-Check Policies Hopeful: B.C. Privacy Commissioner

VICTORIA — B.C.'s privacy commissioner says police forces across the province are implementing new policies preventing them from revealing embarrassing details in record checks.

 

In a critical report released last year, Elizabeth Denham said police record checks were revealing sensitive personal information beyond what was necessary for employment or volunteering.

 

The provincial government released the policy guidelines last month that set out what kind of information police won't be allowed to disclose, including suicide attempts, mental health apprehensions, or incidents that don't result in charges or convictions.

 

Denham says she heard many stories of people being devastated, shocked or embarrassed about the information disclosed in previous police record checks.

 

While she's hopeful the policy will work, Denham says police departments still need to follow the rules and her office will be watching for any infractions.

 

The commissioner says she would have much rather seen the changes implemented in law instead of regulations.