Former Regina Police Officer Sued Over Alleged Misuse of Confidential Police Database
Civil lawsuit alleges personal information of dozens of women was improperly accessed, raising fresh concerns about privacy and police accountability in Canada
By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada | July 28,2026
A former Regina Police Service officer is facing a civil lawsuit after allegedly using confidential police databases to access the personal information of dozens of women for non-policing purposes, in a case that has renewed debate over privacy protections and accountability within Canadian law enforcement.
The lawsuit, filed in Saskatchewan, names Robert Semenchuck, a former Regina police officer who has already been convicted in criminal court for breach of trust and unauthorized use of a computer related to his misuse of police databases. The new civil action seeks damages on behalf of women whose personal information was allegedly accessed without a legitimate law enforcement purpose.
Allegations of Unauthorized Database Searches
According to court filings, Semenchuck allegedly used internal police databases to obtain personal details—including addresses, photographs, and other sensitive information—about women he encountered during his duties or wished to pursue personally.
The lawsuit alleges the unauthorized searches occurred over several years and involved numerous victims who were unaware their confidential information had been accessed.
Criminal Conviction Preceded Civil Action
Earlier this year, Semenchuck pleaded guilty to breach of trust and unauthorized use of a computer. Following the conclusion of the criminal proceedings, Regina Police Chief Lorilee Davies publicly condemned his actions, describing them as a profound betrayal of both the victims and the public’s trust in the police service.
Chief Davies acknowledged that the misconduct had damaged confidence in the Regina Police Service and said the organization was committed to rebuilding trust through stronger oversight and improved privacy safeguards.
Regina Police Introduce Stronger Privacy Measures
In response to the case, the Regina Police Service says it has implemented and expanded several measures to reduce the risk of unauthorized database access.
These include:
- Enhanced auditing of database searches.
- Increased privacy oversight.
- Additional staffing for access-to-information and privacy functions.
- Improved monitoring of officers’ use of confidential records.
- Reviews of technology to require officers to document reasons for database searches.
The service has also accepted most recommendations made by Saskatchewan’s Information and Privacy Commissioner following a separate review of database access practices.
Privacy and Public Trust at the Centre
Legal experts say the civil lawsuit highlights the importance of protecting sensitive personal information held by police agencies.
Citizens provide personal information to law enforcement with the expectation that it will only be used for legitimate policing purposes. Allegations of misuse can undermine public confidence and raise broader concerns about oversight, accountability, and the protection of privacy rights.
The outcome of the civil lawsuit could have implications for future policies governing access to police databases across Canada.
GhanaianNewsCanada will continue to monitor developments in the case as it proceeds through the Canadian courts.
