Privacy Commissioner recommends RPS provide surveillance video to man whose arm was broken during arrest

Saskatchewan’s privacy commissioner says the Regina Police Service (RPS) should turn over surveillance video of a person arrested last October.

The person or applicant said that the officers broke his arm when he was arrested in the lobby of the police station. Police believe the then 51-year-old man broke a window to get into the building.

On April 30, the Regina Police Service (RPS) received a request for information from the applicant.

“I need a copy of the video of my arrest. … There my arm was broken by one of the arresting officers while I was already on the ground. And now I have a permanent problem with my arm,” he said.

The person said he only wanted the videos of his arrest in the main lobby, a public space.

The RPS had previously refused to hand over the videos to the applicant, citing a security issue.

According to Privacy Commissioner Ronald J. Kruzeniski’s report, a total of 20 videos featuring him were withheld “pursuant to the Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (LA FOIP).”

The Privacy Act states that a “principal” may deny access to a recording if releasing it “would reveal the security arrangements of, or the methods used in, particular vehicles, buildings or other structures or systems, including computer or communications systems.” to protect those vehicles, buildings, structures or systems.”

However, the privacy commissioner said he believed eight of the videos showing the man being arrested in the lobby could be released without risk.

“While sharing the eight videos with the applicant would reveal the general area where a camera is located, it does not reveal other areas where cameras are located. Nor would it reveal how the cameras are organized, operated or used,” Kruzeniski said in his report.

“I recommend that RPS release the eight lobby videos to the applicant within 30 days of publication of this report.”

The Commissioner’s report is dated October 15th.

In a statement to CBC on Thursday, the RPS said it was still reviewing the recommendations and was not in a position to comment further at this time.