MHPS Privacy Statement
The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is committed to providing a website that respects your privacy. This statement summarizes the privacy policy and practices on the mhps.ca website and all associated systems, processes and applications (including the mobile app) under the direct control of the MHPS. MHPS is a public body subject to Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPP) Act.
Privacy Overview
MHPS does not automatically gather any personal information from you. This information is only obtained if you supply it voluntarily through contacting MHPS via email or online forms or by setting up a user account.
When you visit mhps.ca (or use the mobile app), the MHPS web server automatically collects a limited amount of standard information essential to the operation and evaluation of the MHPS website. This information includes:
- the page from which you arrived,
- the date and time of your page request,
- the Internet Protocol (IP) address your computer is using to receive information,
- the type and version of your browser, and
- the name and size of the file you requested.
This information is not used to identify individuals who come to the MHPS website or mobile app. This information is only used to help MHPS assess its information services and is collected in compliance with Section 33(c) of Alberta’s FOIPP, which permits the collection of information that relates directly to and is necessary for an operating program or activity of the public body.
Information Collected through Form Submissions or Service Requests
The personal information you submit through MHPS feedback forms/mediums – including email address and contact information – is collected by MHPS staff solely for the purpose of responding to your information or service request.
This information is not disclosed except to authorized personnel (MHPS staff or contractors) for the purpose of addressing your feedback. Any personal information you submit to the MHPS website is secured once it reaches MHPS servers. However, MHPS cannot guarantee the security of your information before it reaches MHPS servers.
Mobile Application Permissions
Permission
to device information/functionality (location data, notifications, telephone,
calendar, and storage) is explicitly requested by the application and must be granted by the end user. The granted permissions are used in relation
to app functionality and not collected for other purposes.
Cookies
Cookies are temporary files that may be placed on your hard drive while you visit a website. Cookies are used to track how visitors use mhps.ca and the mobile application, but MHPS does not store personal information through cookies, nor does MHPS collect personal information from you without your knowledge as you browse the website or use the mobile application. Any cookies on mhps.ca or the mobile application are used to aid in the collection of anonymous statistical information such as:
- browser type
- screen size,
- traffic patterns,
- pages visited.
This information helps MHPS improve both mhps.ca (mobile app included) and its service to citizens. It is not disclosed to any third parties. However, if you are concerned about cookies, you can adjust your web browser to reject all cookies. All site features with the exception of the interactive map should function normally if cookies are disabled.
Security and IP addresses
Your computer uses a unique IP address when browsing the Internet. MHPS may collect IP addresses to monitor any security breaches on mhps.ca and other online services (mobile app etc.). No attempt is made to identify users or their usage patterns unless unauthorized use of the MHPS website is detected or is required for a law enforcement investigation. IP addresses are stored for a term that complies with the MHPS existing auditing requirements.
Privacy and External Links
The mhps.ca website, and mobile app, contains links to external sites that are not associated with MHPS. MHPS is not responsible for the content and the privacy practices of these other websites and MHPS encourages you to examine each site's privacy policy and disclaimers before providing any personal information.
More Information
If you do not feel comfortable providing feedback via our website (mobile application included), or to request more information, please contact MHPS.
For general inquiries regarding MHPS online feedback mediums and the associated privacy statement, contact:
MHPS Information Technology Department
Email: support@mhps.ca
Phone: 403-529-8400
Concerns regarding access to information or privacy issues under FOIP should be directed to:
Information Coordinator
Medicine Hat Police Service
884 - 2 Street S.E.
Medicine Hat, AB
T1A 8H2
Phone: 403-529-8400