Privacy Policy

Your privacy is fundamental to our mission. Learn how we protect and manage your personal information.

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

The Oakland County Deputy Sheriff's Association ("OCDSA," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of our members' personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website, member portal, and related services (collectively, the "Services").

As a union representing law enforcement professionals, we understand the critical importance of data security and privacy. We implement industry-leading practices to ensure your information remains protected.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

We collect information you directly provide to us, including:

  • Account Information: Name, badge number, department email, phone number
  • Employment Details: Rank, assignment, seniority date, shift preferences
  • Union Membership: Membership status, dues information, participation records
  • Communications: Messages, grievances, feedback, and support requests
  • Emergency Contacts: Next of kin and emergency contact information

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you use our Services, we automatically collect:

  • Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system
  • Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on site
  • Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address
  • Login Information: Authentication logs and session data

1.3 Information from Other Sources

We may receive information about you from:

  • Oakland County Sheriff's Office (employment verification)
  • Collective bargaining unit records
  • Public records as permitted by law
  • Third-party services used for union operations

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

2.1 Provide Union Services

  • Process and manage shift bidding
  • Facilitate union representation and advocacy
  • Administer member benefits and services
  • Handle grievances and disciplinary matters
  • Organize union events and training

2.2 Communicate with Members

  • Send important union updates and announcements
  • Notify about contract negotiations and votes
  • Provide emergency alerts and critical information
  • Respond to member inquiries and requests

2.3 Improve Our Services

  • Analyze usage patterns to enhance functionality
  • Conduct member satisfaction surveys
  • Develop new features and services
  • Ensure technical performance and security

2.4 Legal and Compliance

  • Comply with legal obligations and regulations
  • Enforce our Terms of Service and policies
  • Protect rights and safety of members and staff
  • Maintain records as required by law

3. Information Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

3.1 With Your Consent

We share information when you explicitly authorize us to do so, such as when you request representation or file a grievance.

3.2 For Union Operations

  • With union attorneys for legal representation
  • With affiliated labor organizations as necessary
  • With benefits providers to administer member benefits
  • With authorized union representatives and stewards

3.3 Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our Services. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.

3.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or legal process, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to:

  • Comply with legal obligations
  • Protect and defend our rights or property
  • Prevent fraud or illegal activities
  • Protect the safety of our members and staff

4. Data Security

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction.

4.1 Technical Safeguards

  • End-to-end encryption for sensitive data transmission
  • Secure servers with regular security updates
  • Multi-factor authentication for account access
  • Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
  • Intrusion detection and prevention systems

4.2 Administrative Safeguards

  • Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
  • Background checks for personnel handling sensitive data
  • Regular security training for staff and representatives
  • Confidentiality agreements with all personnel

4.3 Physical Safeguards

  • Secured facilities with controlled access
  • Locked storage for physical records
  • Secure disposal of sensitive documents
  • Environmental controls to protect equipment

Important: While we implement robust security measures, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Your Rights & Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

5.1 Access & Portability

You can request access to the personal information we hold about you and receive it in a portable format.

5.2 Correction & Update

You can update or correct your personal information through your member portal or by contacting us directly.

5.3 Deletion

You can request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and contractual retention requirements.

5.4 Opt-Out

You can opt out of non-essential communications, though you cannot opt out of important union notices required by law or collective bargaining agreements.

5.5 Restriction

You can request that we restrict processing of your personal information in certain circumstances.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact our Privacy Officer at privacy@ocdsa.com or call (248) 555-0100.

6. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

6.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small data files stored on your device when you visit our Services. We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience.

6.2 Types of Cookies We Use

  • Essential Cookies: Required for basic site functionality and security
  • Performance Cookies: Help us understand how you use our Services
  • Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
  • Authentication Cookies: Keep you logged in securely

6.3 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may limit functionality of our Services.

6.4 Do Not Track

We respect Do Not Track signals and do not track users across third-party websites or services.

7. Third-Party Services

Our Services may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties.

7.1 Third-Party Providers

We work with the following types of third-party service providers:

  • Cloud hosting and infrastructure providers
  • Payment processing services
  • Communication and email services
  • Analytics and performance monitoring
  • Legal and professional services

7.2 External Links

When you click on external links, you leave our Services and are subject to the privacy policies of those third-party sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

8.1 Retention Periods

  • Active Member Data: Duration of membership plus 7 years
  • Employment Records: As required by collective bargaining agreements
  • Legal Documents: As required by applicable statutes of limitations
  • Financial Records: 7 years as required by law
  • Communication Logs: 3 years unless related to legal matters

8.2 Secure Disposal

When personal information is no longer needed, we securely dispose of it using industry-standard methods to prevent unauthorized access or recovery.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18.

If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete that information as soon as possible.

If you believe we have collected information from a child under 18, please contact us immediately at privacy@ocdsa.com.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors.

When we make material changes, we will:

  • Update the "Effective Date" at the top of this policy
  • Notify you via email or through the member portal
  • Obtain your consent if required by applicable law

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including:

  • The right to know what personal information we collect, use, and disclose
  • The right to delete personal information we hold about you
  • The right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell your data)
  • The right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

Contact Us

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

Oakland County Deputy Sheriff's Association

Attn: Privacy Officer

581 W Kennett

Pontiac, MI 48340

Email: privacy@ocdsa.com

Phone: (248) 555-0100

Your privacy and trust are essential to our mission of protecting and serving our members.