Under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), individuals can request access records held by government institutions, including Hamilton Police Service.

The Act aims to:

Provide access to government information based on these principles: 

  • Information should be publicly available 
  • Exemptions should be limited and specific
  • Disclosure decisions can be reviewed by the Information and Privacy Commissioner

Protect personal information and provide individuals access to their own information.

MFIPPA ensures compliance with federal and provincial laws when releasing information. It also allows individuals to file privacy complaints if they believe their rights have been violated.

Reports are only released to:

  • The involved individual or company
  • A law firm representing an involved party
  • An insurance company representing an involved party

How do I make a Freedom of Information (FOI) request?

Correction Request form

Requests must be submitted in writing by completing the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act ACCESS / CORRECTION REQUEST along with a $5 application fee, either in person or by mail to:

Hamilton Police Service
155 King William St
Hamilton, ON L8R 1A7
Attn: Freedom of Information

Records Branch hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Include a cheque or money order payable to Hamilton Police Service, and photocopies of two pieces of government-issued ID (one with photo).

Under MFIPPA, the Freedom of Information Unit has 30 days to respond. Requests are not accepted by email, fax, or online.

Records cannot be released if the matter is before the courts, within a 30-day appeal period, or involves outstanding arrest warrants.

Law Firms / Insurance Companies

HPS Request/Consent Direction

Submit a written request by mail with your client’s signed consent (or HPS Request/Consent Direction form), including:

  • Client information
  • Occurrence number (if available)
  • Date and location of incident 
  • Officer's name and badge number (if available)

Include a valid email address and full payment (cheque payable to “Hamilton Police Service”).

Mail to:
Hamilton Police Service
155 King William St
Hamilton, ON L8R 1A7
Attn: Freedom of Information

Motor Vehicle Collision (MVC) Records 

The Freedom of Information office releases officer’s notes, unless the collision is serious or fatal. A $5 application fee applies.

Collision reports and driver/witness statements are available through the Traffic Office. As of February 1, 2026, fees are:

  • MVC Report: $55.00 + HST ($62.15)
  • Self-Reporting Collision (SRC) Report: $55.00 + HST ($62.15)
  • Driver/Witness Statements: $55.00 + HST ($62.15)
  • Officer’s Notes (MVC): $5.00 (FOI fee)

For inquiries, contact the Motor Vehicle Collision Clerk at 905-546-4987.

Records cannot be released if the matter is before the courts or within a 30-day appeal period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Examples include:

  • Reports
  • Officer Notes
  • Witness statements
  • 911 Calls
  • Photos
  • Motor vehicle collision reports and statements (see Obtaining a Motor Vehicle Collision report)
  • Statistics

Records involving young persons are governed by the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) and are generally not accessible through MFIPPA. Limited exceptions may apply in specific circumstances or by Youth Justice Court order.

It is recommended that an agent (e.g., law firm or insurance company) submit a detailed request letter, including incident details, client names, and signed authorization.

Under MFIPPA, we must respond within 45 calendar days. Extensions may apply for complex or large requests, and you will be notified if this applies. We process a high volume of requests and aim to complete them as quickly as possible.

No. Requests cannot be expedited, though urgent needs can be noted without guarantee of faster processing.

Important: Incomplete requests (missing details, fee, or consent) will cause delays. Records may also be withheld if the investigation is ongoing or before the courts.

A mandatory, non-refundable $5 application fee is required for all Access Requests. Additional fees may apply depending on the type of request:

  • Personal information requests: $0.20 per page for photocopies
  • General information requests:
    • $30 per hour for search time
    • $30 per hour for preparation time
    • $0.20 per page for photocopies

All fees are governed by regulations under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).

We accept certified cheques and money orders made payable to Hamilton Police Service. In person payments may also be made by cash, debit, Visa or Mastercard.

Cheques and money orders can be mailed to:

Hamilton Police Service
155 King William St
Hamilton, ON L8R 1A7
Attn: Freedom of Information

Records Branch hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Under MFIPPA, access may be denied or records may be partially severed based on legal restrictions.

Police must withhold certain information, including:

  • Personal information of other individuals
  • Information provided in confidence (without consent)
  • Records related to ongoing investigations
  • Solicitor-client privileged records
  • Police incident codes and zone information

Records are emailed via a secure, password-protected link. 

You may request a correction or attach a statement of disagreement to a police record.

To correct details like your name or date of birth, you must provide valid government-issued documentation.

Opinions or statements in reports will not be changed or removed, but you may submit a statement of disagreement to be attached to the record.

You may appeal a decision within 30 calendar days of receiving it.

Submit appeals to:

Information and Privacy Commissioner

Attention: Intake Analyst
Suite 1700 -- 80 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON M5S 2V1
Phone: 416-326-3333 or 800-387-0073
Fax: 416-325-9195

Contact Us

Looking to make a Freedom of Information request? 

 

Contact us at 905-546-4727 or foi@hamiltonpolice.ca