Outcomes - Selected Case Summaries
Categories
Delays incurred in the disclosure of 911 audio recordings
Informal Resolution | 18 October 2023
Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC)
An applicant made a request to the DPSC for 911 audio recordings concerning a vehicle collision as well as for records relating to an incident involving fallen debris. No initial decisions were given, and upon internal review the Acting Chief Officer of the Ministry of Home Affairs exempted the records, claiming that disclosure would prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs, and because they contained personal information.
The matters were appealed to the Ombudsman, and we started a long series of communications with DPSC and the Ministry in order to clarify their position, resulting in long delays. A formal hearing was started, but before it commenced DPSC provided a substantive response and concluded that the records in both matters would be disclosed. These cases were closed without a formal hearing decision.