Commissioner imposes limits on frequent requester, finding excessive and coordinated FOI requests constitute abuse of process.
The appellant, a frequent user of freedom of information legislation, appealed decisions of the London Police Services Board denying his requests for records.
The Board argued the requests were frivolous, vexatious, and an abuse of process.
The Commissioner found that while the Act does not explicitly grant authority to deny requests on these grounds, the Commissioner has implied authority to control abuses of process.
Given the excessive volume, broad scope, and coordinated nature of the appellant's requests, the Commissioner concluded they constituted an abuse of process and imposed strict numerical limits and conditions on the processing of the appellant's future requests and appeals.
Disciplinary charges against police chief for neglect of duty and unauthorized passengers dismissed.
The Chief of Police was charged with two disciplinary offences under the Police Services Act.
The first charge, alleging he allowed unauthorized persons in a police vehicle, was quashed for failing to disclose an offence and lacking sufficient particulars.
The second charge, alleging neglect of duty for failing to provide backup during an emergency, was dismissed after a hearing.
The Commission found the Chief was engaged in an assigned duty leading a parade, was not requested by dispatch to assist, and did not contravene standard police procedures.
