Privacy and Security
Chatham-Kent Police Service
Website Privacy Policy
Last Updated: [Date]
The Chatham-Kent Police Service is committed to protecting the privacy of any personal information you may provide when visiting our website. Part of that commitment is to explain what information may be collected, why, how it will be used, and who may have access to it. Our practices have been designed to ensure compliance with the privacy provisions of Ontario’s Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).
This privacy statement applies to interactions with the Chatham-Kent Police Service website. It does not apply to any other website you may visit through links from our site.
Personal Information
When you visit our website, you do so anonymously – there’s no need to tell us who you are. However, we do collect personal information in specific situations:
Event Services Request Form
If you fill out our event services request form, we’ll ask you to provide information such as your name, contact details, and event information. This information is collected so we can respond to your request and provide the police services you need for your event. Only those who “need to know” will have access to the personal information you provide.
General Inquiries
If you send us an inquiry through the website, we may ask for your name and email address so we can respond to you directly.
We collect this information under the authority of the Police Services Act and MFIPPA. The information is used solely for the purpose of providing the services you’ve requested and maintaining necessary records.
Your Rights
You have the right to request access to any personal information we have about you by contacting our Access & Privacy coordinator. You can also request corrections to any inaccurate information. If you have concerns about how we’ve handled your personal information, you can file a complaint with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.
Website Analytics and Cookies
We use Koko Analytics to help us understand how people use our website. This service places a single cookie on your computer that tracks which pages you visit and how long you spend on our site. Think of this cookie like a library card – it helps us keep track of what resources are being used most, but it doesn’t tell us who you are personally.
The cookie doesn’t store any personal information about you, can’t access other information on your computer, and doesn’t track you when you visit other websites. The information helps us improve our website and make it more useful for visitors.
You can disable cookies in your browser if you prefer, and you’ll still be able to use our website normally.
Website Logging
Like most websites, we automatically collect some basic information when you visit, such as:
- What type of device and browser you’re using
- Which pages you visit
- The date and time of your visit
- Your general location (like what city you’re visiting from)
This information is collected in a way that doesn’t identify you personally. We use it to monitor our website’s performance, ensure security, and understand how we can make the site better for everyone.
How We Protect Your Information
We take protecting your information seriously. We use appropriate security measures to safeguard your personal information against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. Our staff are trained on privacy protection, and we regularly review our security practices.
Information Sharing
We don’t sell, rent, or trade your personal information to anyone. We may share your information only in these situations:
- With our staff who need it to respond to your request or provide services
- With other emergency services or municipal departments when necessary for event coordination
- When required by law or court order
- In emergency situations to protect someone’s safety
How Long We Keep Information
We keep personal information from our event services form according to our records retention schedule and legal requirements under MFIPPA (minimum one year after use). Website statistics are kept longer but only in anonymous form that can’t identify individual visitors.
Links to Other Websites
Our website may include links to other websites that aren’t operated by us. We’re not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites, so we encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. When we do, we’ll post the updated version here with a new “Last Updated” date. We encourage you to check back occasionally to stay informed about how we’re protecting your information.
Contact Us
Have questions or concerns about privacy? We’re here to help.
Privacy Complaints:
If you believe we haven’t properly handled your personal information, you can contact:
Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario
2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400
Toronto, Ontario M4W 1A8
Phone: 416-326-3333 or 1-800-387-0073
Website: www.ipc.on.ca
Comments and Suggestions
We welcome your feedback about our website and privacy practices. Please contact us at [Email] with any comments or suggestions.
This privacy policy helps explain how the Chatham-Kent Police Service collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you visit our website or use our services.