Calgary police say it could take up to four years to clear a backlog of 3,500 information requests, while some applicants go months without updates on their files.
At Wednesday’s Calgary Police Commission meeting, officials reported roughly half the files completed between July and September took more than 120 business days to process. Just 23 per cent were completed within 60 business days.
Under Alberta’s Access to Information Act, public bodies generally have 30 business days to respond to requests, although extensions are permitted.
In a March 2026 order, adjudicator Pam Gill directed the Calgary Police Service (CPS) to respond to an applicant who had requested records the previous October. The service acknowledged failing to meet the legal deadline.
At Wednesday’s meeting, a CPS official acknowledged that applicants can go months without further contact after their requests are initially acknowledged.
Police officials say communication has been inconsistent, with staffing shortages and the growing backlog contributing to these delays.
4,000 requests and thousands of people left waiting
A May review found about 4,000 outstanding files, and roughly 2,000 sitting unassigned.
By Sept. 30, the backlog had fallen to 3,500 files. But CPS continues to receive approximately 4,000 new access requests each year.
CPS executive director Courtney Keith told commissioners the backlog could take an estimated two to four years to clear, although officials stressed the figure remains uncertain.
Commissioner Joseph Fernandex also warned that prolonged delays could affect Calgarians seeking employment or dealing with civil matters.
CPS officials attributed the backlog to staffing shortages, complex requests and inconsistent workflows.
Some requests involve thousands of pages, body-worn camera footage and 911 calls that must be reviewed for sensitive information before release.
Commissioners also questioned whether the demanding and repetitive nature of disclosure work could make the backlog difficult to resolve, suggesting outside contractors and other employees could help process outstanding requests.
CPS officials said the work requires extensive training and sustained attention, but stressed that employees value their responsibilities.
File closures increased 113%
The service filled six vacant positions in June and introduced expanded training, workload tracking and other changes.
Average monthly file closures increased 113 per cent in the third quarter compared with the first six months of 2026.
Still, officials acknowledged that higher processing numbers don’t necessarily mean applicants will receive their information sooner.
Commissioners questioned why residents couldn’t at least receive regular updates while waiting.
Commissioner chair Amtul Siddiqui suggested automatic notifications every 30 days to let applicants know their files were still being processed.
CPS officials agreed that communication needed to improve but said the service doesn’t currently have the technology to automate those updates.
The commission passed a motion directing CPS to return early next year with a report outlining ideas to address the backlog.
