The Freedom of Information Act 1991 (the FOI Act) provides a legally enforceable process for members of the community to access documents held by Government departments, including South Australia Police. If you require further information, please contact: Freedom of Information Unit Phone: (08) 8204-2482 Fax: (08) 8204-2307 Post: Post Box 1539 Adelaide SA 5001 All requests for access to documents and information are made by completing a
PD360 - Application For Access To SAPOL Records form ( 16KB). This form is also available from your local police station and must be submitted by you in person at a police station. The request must only be used in relation to one incident, for multiple requests a separate application must be made for each incident. Police Station employees will assist applicants as far as practicable in the completion of application forms. As much information that can be provided is very important. Also clear identification of the information requested is essential to enable the application to be processed as quickly as possible. SAPOL cannot process a broad request which states for example, 'please provide all records relating to me'. Specific incidents, date ranges and/or types of records are required. You cannot request information about someone else unless you have their consent. If you require information such as this, please obtain the individual's consent in writing and include this with your application. The FOI Unit may contact this person to verify authenticity of the consent. Applications must include the application fee or proof that the applicant meets the fee waiver criteria. Any applications not meeting these criteria will be returned to the applicant for further information. 
The turnaround time under the FOI Act for applications to be processed is 30 days.
All FOI applications are $28.75 However, this fee may be waived in certain circumstances when a concession card (health care, unemployment, pensioner or full time student) is produced. Additional costs apply to audio/video tapes, photographs etc. All FOI charges are GST exempt.
Freedom of Information Act 1991 Information Privacy Principles Instructions ( 20KB)
The Freedom of Information Unit (FOI Unit) is responsible for: - Processing the requests for documents and information including statements, interviews, reports and photographs, in both hard copy and electronic format.
- Processing applications for the amendment of records held by SAPOL where the applicant believes the information contained in the documents is incomplete, incorrect, out-of-date or misleading (see Amendment of Records).
- Forwarding requests for Internal Review if applicants who have received a determination from FOI Unit and are dissatisfied by the original determination
SAPOL information is widely and frequently sought due to the nature of information maintained e.g. records relating to Major Crime, Major Crash, Serious Fraud in various formats such as reports, statements, photos, video and audio.
Both personal and non-personal requests for information are obtained for a variety of purposes such as:- - personal request for offender history details
- parents seeking information about a child
- landlords requesting data about their tenants
- mental health workers to assist in the care of clients
- neighbours in dispute
- solicitors for litigation purposes, injury compensation claims etc
- assessors for insurance claims etc.
SAPOL takes confidentiality and privacy issues very seriously, policies and procedures are in place to ensure information is released to authorised people only.
Requests for an amendment to SAPOL records can be made by completing a PD361, Application for Amendment of Personal Records form. This form is available from your local police station. This request is processed under the Freedom of Information legislation. There is no application fee associated with this request. Clear reasons for the request are essential to enable the application to be processed within the required period (30 days).
If you are dissatisfied with the decision of the FOI Unit you have the right to appeal via Internal Review. All requests for an internal review are made by completing a PD362, Application for Internal Review form. This form is available from your local police station. An application fee applies, however this fee may be waived in certain circumstances when a concession card (health care, unemployment, pensioner or full time student) is produced. In the event that the original determination is varied as a result of the review the application fee is reimbursed to the applicant. Clear reasons for the request are essential to enable the application to be processed within the required period (14 days).
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