Kawartha police assures public province database was properly used

DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: A while after the province of Ontario ended police services’ access to a COVID-19 health database, Kawartha Lakes police issued a letter to the province in response to recent concerns. The letter was addressed to analyst Chris Anzenberger in the office of Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner and was sent on Monday, August 31st. The letter stated access to the portal was limited to eight full time and five part-time communications staff and training and supervision on how to use this portal responsibly, was provided to these staff members. “We do not believe there was any unauthorized or inappropriate use of the portal,” the letter, signed by Kawartha Lakes police services board chair Don Thomas and Police Chief Mark Mitchell, read. The purpose originally around granting police access to the database was to help limit and control the spread of the virus. “Both the Ministry of the Solicitor General and the City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service put control measures and safeguards in place to ensure proper use of the portal,” the letter read.