Why the RCMP isn't naming crash victims anymore

RCMP detachments across Canada have stopped naming the victims of fatal vehicle collisions, in an unannounced shift in their information-sharing practices.

Greg Cox, a spokesperson for RCMP headquarters in Ottawa, told CTVNews.ca in a statement that the country-wide policy is in accordance with the federal Privacy Act.

“The Privacy Act is designed to protect personal information, such as the names of deceased victims, unless there is an applicable exemption under the act,” Cox told CTVNews.ca via email.

Cox cited a number of possible exemptions from the privacy act, including instances when the information is already publicly available, when releasing the information could help a case or when the information could benefit the public.

“However, even when an exemption may apply it is discretionary and the RCMP will balance the interests in disclosing the information against the privacy interests involved,” Cox said.

The policy appears to have been implemented across the country within the last year, though Cox did not specify when exactly it went into effect.

For instance, in June of 2014, New Brunswick RCMP issued news releases concerning three separate fatal crashes, with victims named in two of them. In June of 2015, they issued releases concerning six separate fatal collisions. No victims were named, but the ages and hometowns of the individuals were provided.

Nova Scotia RCMP also named fatal collision victims in June of 2014, but omitted their names in releases posted last month.

In Manitoba, RCMP news releases have not named victims in releases dating back to the beginning of 2014. However, the organization often provides the ages and hometowns of the victims.

“The RCMP is constantly reviewing and revising policies and procedures,” Cox said. “The release of names is a very fact specific situation and the RCMP is simply ensuring consistency in the application of the Privacy Act.”

Police are not required to consult with a victim’s family before releasing their name to the public, Cox pointed out. “However, in some cases where a disclosure is permitted under the Privacy Act exemptions, the RCMP may choose to either consult or inform the family depending on the individual circumstances.”

A spokesperson for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner said her department was not involved in the RCMP’s change in policy. “The Privacy Act has not been amended, and we have not provided recommendations to the RCMP with respect to its policy,” spokesperson Valerie Lawton said in an email.

She added that there is a “presumption” not to disclose personal information without consent, “unless there are compelling arguments to the contrary.”