Marshall Law represents a victim of a significant breach of trust by the Regina Police Service, where a police officer – over the course of years – improperly accessed the police database to monitor and coercively control a woman he was in a relationship with. This officer was suspended for only one day and continues to have access to the database with no restrictions, despite his abuse of it and the damage he has inflicted on my client and others. This is unacceptable and we are demanding accountability and justice.
STATEMENT
We represent the victim in the Regina Police Service privacy breach case that made national headlines
last week. Our client has authorized us to release this statement on her behalf. She is choosing to remain
anonymous to protect herself and to ensure her safety. Much has been written about this case, but the
public has not yet heard the full story.
As verified by the Privacy Commissioner, a total of six individuals were affected, with approximately 67
improper database accesses in total over a three-year period. Our client was subjected to the majority of
the most significant and damaging breaches that have created an ongoing and serious safety risk for her
now and in the future. These repeated intrusions into her private information were not isolated acts, they
form a clear pattern of coercive control. Coercive control is recognized as a form of domestic violence,
and the impact on our client has been profound and enduring.
The police officer responsible, Constable Clinton Duquette, received only a single day of suspension
without pay and continues to have access to police databases. This is completely unacceptable and reflects a deeply troubling systemic culture within the Regina Police Service. His continued access means our client’s safety remains at risk and that he is able to continue the same patterns of behaviour that led to these violations. His continued access also means that other women may be at risk.
The Chief of Police has publicly stood by this “one day without pay” penalty. This response is not a
deterrent, nor does it meaningfully address or correct the officer’s conduct. It sends a harmful message to
victims and to the public about how seriously the Regina Police Service treats privacy breaches and the
safety of women.
Public concern is growing. A petition launched by Councillor Andrew Stevens calling for accountability
and meaningful consequences has already gathered more than 600 signatures. This groundswell of
support demonstrates that the people of Regina are demanding transparency, reform, and real action from the Regina Police Service.
We have written to the Regina Police Service outlining our significant concerns and calling for
appropriate action to ensure that no woman is subjected to the violations our client endured. Given the
inadequate response from the Chief of Police, legal action will follow.
The public places a high degree of trust in the police. Cases like this erode that trust and send a terrible
message to victims everywhere.
Sincerely,
MARSHALL LAW