Missing person legislation would grant police greater powers

A proposedpiece of legislation created by the Newfoundland and Labrador government wouldprovide police forces with greater access to personal information aboutmissing people.

The Missing Persons Act was announced Thursday by Premier Paul Davis.

The legislation, if passed, would allow members of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and RCMP to access a missing person's medical records, financial information, telephone recordings and otherpersonal information.

"We are now introducing a Missing Persons Act that will allow police to apply to the court for a search order or a record access order, where a person has been reported missing but there lacks evidence to believe that a criminal offence has occurred," said Davis.

In the past, police could onlyapply for a warrant for that information only if there was evidence of a crime occurring.

Time is everything

However, RCMP Chief Supt. Andrew Boland said criminal activity isn't always obvious, and when it comes to a missing person, time is crucial.

"In the very early goings, in the minutes and hours of any investigation, that's where your critical parts are assessed and the risk of what's unfolding," said Boland.

"That information could sometimes, in the case of an amber alert, if the case is serious enough and police activate an amber alert, you're literally talking about minutes and hours to get that information."

According to Boland, the new legislation would allow police the ability to go to the information holders and get what they need.

"It could be a car dealership, it could be a car company if we are looking for GPSinformation from a vehicle, the movement of a vehicle. It could be texting information from a telephone company."

While some may worry about less privacy because of the legislation,Davis said there shouldn't be much reason for concern.

"I believe that the appropriate balance has been struck between privacy concerns and the safety of individuals and I firmly believe that it will be an asset to police as they carry out their investigations," said Davis.

Similar legislation already exists in NovaScotia, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia.