Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy describes how Tuscaloosa County Emergency Communications District (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, maintains, and discloses information obtained through our administrative and non-emergency services, including websites, forms, email communications, and SMS text messaging programs.
1. Scope of This Policy (IMPORTANT)
This Privacy Policy applies only to administrative, informational, and non-emergency communications, including but not limited to:
- Administrative phone lines
- Non-emergency contact numbers
- Website forms and submissions
- Email communications
- SMS / text messaging programs
- In-person administrative interactions
⚠ This Privacy Policy does NOT apply to 911 emergency calls or emergency call handling systems.
Emergency calls placed to 911 are governed by state and federal public safety laws, emergency communications regulations, and applicable retention and disclosure requirements, which may differ significantly from the practices described in this policy.
2. Information We May Collect
Depending on how you interact with our administrative or non-emergency services, we may collect information including, but not limited to:
a. Personal Information
- Name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Mailing address
- Other contact details voluntarily provided
b. Communication Information
- Content of emails, forms, or messages submitted
- Administrative call records or service requests
- SMS interactions, including opt-in and opt-out status
c. Technical and Usage Information
- IP address
- Browser type
- Device identifiers
- Date and time of access
- Pages visited and interaction data
d. Other Information
Any additional information voluntarily provided during administrative interactions.
3. How We Use Information
Information may be used for purposes including, but not limited to:
- Providing administrative and support services
- Responding to non-emergency inquiries
- Sending operational, administrative, or informational communications
- Delivering SMS notifications to opted-in recipients
- Recordkeeping, auditing, and compliance
- Protecting organizational integrity and public safety operations
4. Government Function Disclaimer
As a government public-safety entity, certain information may be collected, processed, retained, or disclosed as part of lawful governmental duties, statutory obligations, public-interest functions, and administrative operations.
5. How We Share Information
We do not sell personal information.
Information may be shared only when necessary:
- With service providers and vendors supporting administrative operations (including IT, hosting, telecommunications, and messaging platforms)
- With telecommunications carriers solely for message delivery
- When required by law, court order, or governmental request
- To protect public safety, legal rights, or organizational interests
6. SMS / Text Messaging Privacy (Administrative Lines Only)
SMS Privacy Statement:
All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties for marketing or unrelated purposes. We will not share your opt-in to an SMS campaign with any third party for purposes unrelated to providing you with the services of that campaign.
We may share Personal Data, including SMS opt-in or consent status, with third parties that help us provide messaging services, including but not limited to messaging platforms, telecommunications carriers, and vendors involved in message delivery.
SMS messaging is provided exclusively through authorized administrative or non-emergency lines and is not monitored for emergency response.
- Message frequency may vary
- Message and data rates may apply
- Reply STOP to opt out
- Reply HELP for assistance
7. No Emergency Use / No 911 Functionality
SMS messages, administrative phone lines, and website communications are NOT a substitute for emergency services.
- Do not use SMS, email, or web forms to report emergencies
- These channels are not monitored 24/7
- For emergencies, always dial 911
8. Data Retention
Information is retained only as long as necessary to:
- Support administrative operations
- Comply with applicable laws and record-retention requirements
- Fulfill public-interest and governmental obligations
Retention periods may vary based on legal requirements.
9. Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect information. However, no system can guarantee absolute security.
10. Your Choices
Where applicable:
- You may opt out of SMS messaging by replying STOP
- You may contact us regarding information you have provided
- Certain information may not be modified or deleted due to legal or governmental requirements
11. Children’s Privacy
Our administrative services are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
12. Disclaimer
This Privacy Policy is provided for informational purposes only and does not create contractual rights. Use of administrative services is voluntary and subject to applicable laws and governmental authority.
13. Changes to This Policy
We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Updates will be posted with a revised effective date.
14. Contact Information
For questions regarding this Privacy Policy:
Email: info@tuscco911.org
Mailing Address:
7400 Richard M. Pierce Parkway
Northport, AL 35473