Website Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1st, 2025

Last Updated: March 5th, 2025

West Hennepin Public Safety Department (“WHPSD,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your data when you visit our website at www.westhennepin.com(the “Site”), and when you provide your information to us in other ways, including SMS (text) messaging. By accessing or using our Site, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with the terms, please do not access the Site or provide personal information.

1. Information We Collect

1. Information You Provide to Us
   • Contact Details: When you complete forms on our Site or communicate with us (e.g., name, email address, phone number, mailing address).
   • Service Inquiries & Requests: Information you submit via website forms, emails, or other direct communication regarding law enforcement inquiries, scheduling appointments, or requesting services.
   • SMS Opt-In Data: If you consent to receive SMS messages from us, we collect the phone number you provide and any details shared within text messages.

1. Information Collected Automatically
   • Usage Data: We may automatically collect details about your visit (e.g., your IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and the times/dates of your visits).
   • Cookies & Tracking Technologies: We may use cookies or similar technologies to enhance user experience, analyze Site traffic, and improve our services. You can disable cookies via your browser settings, but some Site features may not function properly.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

1. Provide Public Safety Services: Respond to inquiries, schedule appointments,      issue community alerts, and communicate about law enforcement matters.
2. Send SMS Messages: For those who opt in, we may send text messages related to scheduling, emergency alerts, appointment confirmations, public safety notifications, and other essential communications.
3. Operate and Improve Our Site: Monitor and analyze usage, enhance security, prevent fraud, and improve overall user experience.
4. Legal and Public Safety Compliance: Comply with legal obligations, assist in investigations, and maintain public safety.

3. SMS Messaging & Consent

1. Opt-In Requirements
   • By providing your mobile phone number and expressly agreeing (via website form, verbal confirmation, or text-in keyword), you consent to receive SMS messages from WHPSD.
   • You may receive up to 10 messages per day (message frequency may vary).
   • Message & data rates may apply according to your mobile carrier plan.
   • Reply STOP at any time to opt out of receiving SMS messages.
   • Reply HELP for help or additional support.

1. Types of SMS Messages
   • Public Safety Alerts: Emergency notifications, severe weather alerts, road closures, and other urgent community advisories.
   • Service & Scheduling: Appointment reminders, shift updates, or scheduling changes.
   • Case Updates & Follow-Ups: If you have an active case or inquiry with us, we may provide brief updates.

1. Data Usage for SMS
   • We do not share or sell your SMS consent or phone number to third parties for marketing purposes.
   • SMS data is used solely for the purposes of communicating with you about public safety, scheduling, and other relevant services.

1. Opt-Out & Other Rights
   • You can reply STOP to any SMS message to stop receiving further texts.
   • If you need assistance, reply HELP or contact us using the information in Section 9.
   • Your decision to opt out will not affect other services or communications you may receive from WHPSD through different channels (e.g., email, phone calls).

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell or share your information for marketing purposes. However, we may share it in the following situations:

1. Service Providers
   • We may share limited data (e.g., hosting, IT support, SMS gateway providers) to help us operate our Site and deliver SMS messages. These providers must protect your information in accordance with our policies and are not permitted to use it for marketing.

1. Legal Requirements & Public Safety
   • We may disclose personal information if required by law, court order, or for law enforcement purposes to protect public safety, prevent harm, or investigate potential wrongdoing.

1. Business or Organizational Transfers
   • In the unlikely event of a merger, reorganization, or other transfer of our operations, relevant personal information may be transferred to the new entity in accordance with applicable law.

5. Data Retention & Security

1. Retention
   • We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, comply with legal obligations, or protect our legal rights.

1. Security Measures
   • We implement industry-standard safeguards to help protect against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of the information we collect. While we strive to ensure the security of personal data, no system is completely secure.

6. Children’s Privacy

Our Site and SMS services are not directed to individuals under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without appropriate parental or guardian consent. If you believe we may have collected information from a minor under 13 without consent, please contact us promptly using the information in Section 9.

7. External Links

Our Site may contain links to external websites, including resources, partner organizations, or other third-party services. WHPSD is not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before disclosing personal information.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update or revise this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. The revised policy will be posted on this page with a new “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of our Site or SMS services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• Email: westhennepin@westhennepin.com
• Phone: 763-479-0500
• Address: 1918 County Road 90, Maple Plain, MN 55359
• Website: www.westhennepin.com