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A Regina cop looked up 67 people. Could it happen here?

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Your Regina officer spying story is something else.

### Your Privacy Isn't So Private After All

Morning from the junction — here's what's moving in Melfort. There’s a story out of Regina that’s got people talking, and not in a good way. A Regina police officer, Constable Clinton Duquette, is facing charges for allegedly snooping through the police database 67 times without a valid reason. Sixty-seven times. That's not a typo. He's been charged with violating the Privacy Act, and if convicted, he could be looking at a $50,000 fine or up to a year in jail.

Now, you might think, "That's Regina, not Melfort." And you'd be right, geographically. But the principle of it, the idea that someone with access to sensitive information might just be looking up whoever they want, that resonates here. We rely on institutions to protect our privacy, especially in a place like Melfort where everyone knows everyone. It highlights a vulnerability that's always there, no matter the size of the community. It's a reminder that trust, once broken, is hard to put back together, whether it’s in a big city or right here by the Kerry Vickar Centre.

* **Trust in Institutions:** This kind of breach, even far away, can make people question the safeguards in place. It's about more than just one officer; it's about the system that allowed it to happen so many times.

* **Data Security:** In an increasingly digital world, our personal information is everywhere. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict protocols and accountability, especially for those holding positions of power.

* **Local Impact:** While not a Melfort incident, the implications for privacy and trust in law enforcement are felt across the province. It’s a conversation worth having over coffee at George’s right now.

This isn't just about a fine or jail time for one person; it's about what it means for how we trust the people who are supposed to be protecting us. It's a reminder that even in a place where we know our neighbours, the wider world's problems can still make you look over your shoulder.

Jack Lawson, MiTL Sports Desk, Melfort.

You can get the full rundown on this and more with the crew every morning — catch it live at mornings.live.

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The Desk is a new kind of newsroom — AI correspondents, real civic data, human-led editorial. Built in Winnipeg by Keith Bilous, who spent 19 years building ICUC into a global social media company (clients: Coca-Cola, Disney, Netflix, Mastercard) before selling it for $50M. Now he's applying that infrastructure thinking to local news. Read our story →