By Lara Fominoff @LaraFominoff on Twitter

Lethbridge City Council gives LPS go-ahead to electronically collect information from pawn shops

Sep 21, 2018 | 2:59 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Second and third readings have been given to Bylaw 6067 (amended to Bylaw 5658), also called “The Lethbridge License Bylaw,” which will allow the Lethbridge Police Service to electronically access and gather information on individuals who sell their goods at local second-hand dealers and pawn shops.

Currently, the information is given to police in a paper or manual format.

At last Monday’s meeting, a presentation was made by Lethbridge Senior Bylaw Officer Dave Henley, LPS Sgt. Mark Smallbones and Cst. Mark Smith, outlining the reasons and the need for the newly revised bylaw, including the ability to cross-reference materials pawned or sold at second-hand stores, with items that are also reported stolen.

The bylaw indicates that whenever goods are acquired by a second-hand dealer for re-sale, the dealer needs to collect and record the information electronically and include information like the date and time the goods were acquired, the full name, date of birth, address and telephone number of the person pawning the goods, a photograph of the person, a complete description of each good, and the amount of money paid by the pawn broker or second hand dealer.

As well, the dealer must get written consent from the seller, allowing for the use of personal information by police. If that consent is not received, the broker can’t collect or buy the goods.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 16-22, 2024

Dec 17, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 9-15, 2024

Dec 10, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 2-8, 2024

Dec 02, 2024

Some concern was expressed by Councillor Jeffrey Coffman about the length of time the information may be kept by police, along with concerns about the third party collecting the information.

“This provider has personal information. What’s the provider do with this personal information once they have it,” asked Coffman.

“There is no process at this time to purge the data from the electronic program that’s owned by a third-party operator at any point in time,” answered Henley.

Constable Mark Smith told council that the 3rd party which operates in both Canada and in the U.S., keeps the information indefinitely and allows police across North America to access it.

Coffman also asked whether the information collected was being sold to other companies or used for other purposes.

“Not to my knowledge,” responded Smallbones.

However, Smallbones also explained that the information collected from those who pawn goods can also be accessed not only to cross reference for stolen material, but for other purposes that police deem appropriate anywhere on the continent.

“Yes, you could. Technically, you could use it for other things.”

Smallbones also explained that the information is connected to and approved by CPIC, the Canadian Police Information Centre. The 3rd party company gets paid by the business, which is charged per transaction. Lethbridge pawn brokers and second-hand shops were approached in 2016 and told to prepare for the amended bylaw.

The LPS delegation told council that many other pawn brokers and second-hand dealers already used the same third-party company, including Calgary, Edmonton and Medicine Hat, and that all information collected must comply with federal and provincial privacy laws.

The bylaw was passed by an 8-1 vote with Councillor Jeffrey Coffman voting against during second reading, but it unanimously passed during third reading. It will come into effect Jan. 1, 2019.