This policy describes the privacy practices of the City of Garland (the “City”) regarding information collected from visitors to this site. It contains information about what data is collected and how that information is used. This privacy policy applies only to this web site, www.ci.garland.tx.us, so if you follow a link to a different site, even the site of another governmental entity, this policy will no longer apply. You should check the privacy policy of each of those sites if you have concerns about how they handle personally identifiable information. The City reserves the right to modify this policy at any time, without notice.
Collection and Use of Information
We do not collect personal information such as names, addresses, phone numbers or e-mail addresses, unless you choose to provide such information, for instance, in the form of a complaint, a request for information, or a request for service. For online government transactions conducted on the www.ci.garland.tx.us web site, you will be asked to enter certain information about yourself and/or the organization with which you are affiliated. The specifics of this information will vary as required by the type of transaction involved. In each case, the information requested will include the same information that would be requested if you performed the identical transaction in person rather than online. Whenever personal information is requested from you on this site, there will be an indication of whether your disclosure of such information is mandatory or optional. To the extent allowed by law, the City will endeavor to maintain the privacy of information that you provide. Please be aware that when you provide information to the City (or any other Texas governmental entity), that information may be subject to required public disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act, court order, or other law.
The www.ci.garland.tx.us web site utilizes server logs and log analysis tools to create summary statistics about the use of the site. The summary statistics are used for purposes such as assessing what information is of the most interest to users, determining technical design specifications, and identifying system performance or problem areas. We also use, or may use software programs that monitor web site traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload, change or damage information within the City’s network, or to use the City’s network for illegal purposes.
This site does not use persistent “cookies’ (persistent tokens that pass information back and forth from the client machine to the server). We may use session cookies (temporary tokens that remain active only until you close your browser) in order to make the web site easier to use. If your web browser does not accept cookies, you may not be able to use some of the online transactions provided on this site. We do not maintain a database of information obtained from those cookies.
Except for the foregoing purposes or in connection with authorized law enforcement investigations or as otherwise provided by law, we do not attempt to identify individual users or their usage habits.
Security
To prevent unauthorized access or disclosure, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the proper use of information, appropriate physical, electronic and managerial procedures have been put into place to safeguard and secure the information collected online. This site uses a secure server for conducting online transactions. All credit card and other payment information that you transmit to us will be protected through the use of encryption technology, provided your browser is properly configured and your computer is operating properly. Security technology requires that you have reasonably current browser.
Links
Links to third party web sites on this site are provided solely as a convenience to you. If you use these links, you will leave the City of Garland site. The City does not control any of these sites nor is the City responsible for their content or privacy policies. Hence, you should review the privacy policies of each site.
E-mail
Personally identifiable information contained in a request, question, or comment sent to the City in an e-mail message or in an online form submitted to the City will be used by the City to initiate a suitable action and response (if warranted). The City may redirect the message to another person or entity who or which is more qualified to resolve an issue. We treat e-mail requests the same way we treat faxes or letters sent through the postal services.
Contact Information
If at any time you are concerned that your information is incorrect and you are unsure how to correct or update it, please contact us at 972-205-2240 or contact the appropriate governmental agency directly.