The Freedom of Information Act 1991 (FOI Act) and the Information Privacy Principles Instructions extends to every person the right to obtain access to information held by South Australian state and local government agencies - including the South Australia Police (SAPOL).

FOI is subject to exceptions and exemptions necessary to protect essential public interests, as well as, the private and business affairs of persons. FOI further extends to every person the right to apply for an amendment to records held by agencies concerning their personal affairs if they believe those records are incomplete, incorrect, out of date, or misleading.

How to apply for access to SAPOL information

Step 1: Download and complete an application form.

Application for access to SAPOL records form PD360 (PDF 100KB)

Application for access to SAPOL records form PD360 (Word 180KB)

Alternatively you may obtain a copy from your local police station.

Step 2: In your application provide details of the information or documents you seek - for example - provide date ranges, specific incidents and types of records. Refer to s13 FOI Act.

Note that:

• SAPOL is unable to process broad ranging requests like, 'please provide all records related to me'.
• If you are seeking documents and or information about other people - third parties - obtain that person's signed written consent and attach it to your application. If you are unable to obtain this consent, FOI unit staff will make reasonable attempts to contact the third party to ensure they consent to the release of their personal information.

Step 3: Include the application fee. If paying by cheque or money order, these are to be made out to 'South Australia Police'.

• This fee may be waived in certain circumstances when a concession, health care, unemployment, pensioner or full time student card is produced. Attach a verified copy of the card to your application.
• Additional costs - for processing your request may apply in accordance with the FOI Act and Freedom of Information (Fees and Charges) Regulations 2003. Costs may be sought for finding, sorting, compiling and copying documents, as well as, consultations with third parties as required by the FOI Act. Costs may also be charged for photocopies, written transcripts, photographs, audio/visual tapes or computer disks in certain situations.

Step 4: Lodge the application and fee - or proof of fee waiver at a police station where staff will assist you as far as practicable. Proof of identity will be required when lodging the application.

Applications received that do not comply with s13 of the FOI Act or are broad ranging will be returned to the applicant for further clarification.

Under normal circumstances your application will be processed within the legislated time frame of 30 days.

How to apply for an amendment to your personal records

You can apply for an amendment to your personal information held by SAPOL where you believe the information is incomplete, incorrect, out-of-date or misleading.

Step 1: Download and complete an application form.

Application for amendment of personal records form PD361 (PDF 22KB)

Application for amendment of personal records form PD361 (Word 45KB)

Alternatively you may obtain a copy from your local police station.

There is no application fee associated with this request.

Step 2: Clearly identify the reasons that you are seeking an amendment.

Step 3: Lodge the application at a police station where staff will assist you as far as practicable.

Under normal circumstances your application will be processed within the legislated time frame of 30 days.

Internal review

Should you be dissatisfied with the FOI determination you have the right to have the decision reviewed by SAPOL.

Step 1: Download and complete an application form.

Application for internal review form PD362 (PDF 99KB)

Application for internal review form PD362 (Word 182KB)

Alternatively you may obtain a copy from your local police station.

Step 2: Clearly identify the reasons that you are seeking a review of your FOI request.

Step 3: Include the application fee. If paying by cheque or money order, these are to be made out to 'South Australia Police'.

This fee may be waived in certain circumstances when a concession, health care, unemployment, pensioner or full time student card is produced. Attach a verified copy of the card to your application.

Step 4: Lodge the application and fee - or proof of fee waiver at a police station where staff will assist you as far as practicable.

Under normal circumstances your application will be processed within the legislated time frame of 14 days.

Further information

Contact - Information Services Branch - Freedom of Information Unit

Phone: (08) 73223347
Fax: (08) 73224180
Postal address:
Information Services Branch
Freedom of Information Unit
South Australia Police
GPO Box 1539
ADELAIDE SA 5001