Northwest Territories RCMP are advising the public that a process is followed each time a person is named in a public interest disclosure.
The RCMP are the police of jurisdiction for the Northwest Territories and is the only organization responsible for releasing personal information on a person in a public interest disclosure.
"It is important that the public understand there is a process with policy and guidelines that allow the RCMP to release information when there is a possible safety risk due to the person being in the community or Territory. A person's privacy is protected by the Privacy Act, and providing personal information is a serious matter that only the RCMP or police of jurisdiction have the authority to do" states Marie York-Condon, Northwest Territories RCMP Media Relations.
The NT RCMP issued a Public Interest Disclosure last week, and only released two Public Interest Disclosures in 2016.
When a decision is made to release information on an individual, the need for public disclosure must clearly outweigh any invasion of privacy that could result from the disclosure. The RCMP works within the policy guidelines to ensure public safety.
When there are grounds to believe that a public interest disclosure may need to be made the RCMP has a process in place to make an informed decision.
A thorough review of all reports associated with the individual is conducted. Pending the results of this review, a Committee may be formed at the request of the Commanding Officer.
The Committee is comprised of several members from jurisdictions that are involved in the Justice system including but not limited to: RCMP, Department of Public Prosecutions Canada, Solicitor General's Branch GNWT, Correctional Services Canada and Corrections GNWT.
The Committee reviews the reports, and determines if there is a requirement for a public interest disclosure that outweighs the right to privacy of the individual.
If the Committee makes a decision to release a Public Interest Disclosure on the individual to the general public, , the RCMP drafts the disclosure and releases the information so appropriate steps can be taken to ensure personal safety.
RCMP remind the public to practice basic personal safety and be aware of their surroundings. Wherever possible, don't travel alone. Use high-traffic routes and locations where other people are likely to be around. If you see something suspicious, call Yellowknife RCMP at 867-669-1111 or report anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 nwtnutips.com, click on "submit a web tip" text: nwtnutips to 274637.