TriState Logo

PRIVACY POLICY - TRISTATE APP

1. INTRODUCTION

This Privacy Policy describes how TriState App ("we", "our", or "us") collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use our mobile application. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about our data practices.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

2.1 Personal Information

  • Email Address: Used for user authentication and account management
  • Password: Securely stored for login purposes (encrypted)
  • User ID: Inspector ID assigned to identify your account
  • Authentication Token: Used to maintain your login session securely

2.2 Location Data

  • GPS Coordinates (Latitude/Longitude):
    • Collected to track your location during work shifts
    • Used to update your live location to the server every 10 minutes
    • Stored locally on your device for offline access
    • Required for job tracking and route management

2.3 Job and Work Data

  • Job Information: Property details, job IDs, shift information
  • Activity Data: Job activities, visit times, completion status
  • Route Information: Selected routes and navigation data
  • Contact Information: Property contacts (name, phone, email) for job-related communication

2.4 Device Information

  • Device Storage: Access to download and save PDF documents
  • Network Information: Internet connectivity status for data synchronization
  • Device ID: For app functionality and service management

3. PERMISSIONS WE REQUEST AND WHY

3.1 Location Permissions

Permissions Requested:

  • ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION (Precise GPS location)
  • ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION (Approximate location)

Why We Need This:

  • To track your location during work shifts for safety and accountability
  • To update your live location to the server every 10 minutes
  • To enable route navigation and job location tracking
  • To help supervisors monitor field inspector locations
  • To ensure accurate job completion at correct locations

How We Use It:

  • Location data is sent to our secure servers every 10 minutes during active shifts
  • Stored locally on your device for offline access
  • Used for route optimization and job assignment
  • Never shared with third parties except as required by law

3.2 Storage Permissions

Permissions Requested:

  • WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE (Android 5-10)
  • READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE (Android 5-12)
  • MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE (Android 11+)

Why We Need This:

  • To download and save PDF documents (walkthrough templates) to your device
  • To save files in the Downloads/Tristate folder for easy access
  • To allow you to access downloaded documents offline
  • To enable document sharing and viewing capabilities

How We Use It:

  • Only accesses the Downloads/Tristate folder created by the app
  • Does not access other files or folders on your device
  • Files are saved locally and remain under your control
  • You can delete downloaded files anytime from your device

3.3 Network Permissions

Permissions Requested:

  • INTERNET
  • ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE
  • ACCESS_WIFI_STATE

Why We Need This:

  • To connect to our servers for authentication
  • To sync job data, routes, and assignments
  • To send location updates and job completion status
  • To download necessary data and updates
  • To check internet connectivity for offline/online mode

How We Use It:

  • All data transmission is encrypted using HTTPS
  • Network access is only used for app functionality
  • No data is transmitted to unauthorized third parties

3.4 Phone and SMS Permissions

Permissions Requested:

  • CALL_PHONE
  • SEND_SMS

Why We Need This:

  • To enable direct calling to property contacts from within the app
  • To send SMS messages to contacts for job-related communication
  • To facilitate communication with property owners/managers
  • To improve workflow efficiency during site visits

How We Use It:

  • Only used when you explicitly tap call/SMS buttons in the app
  • We do not make calls or send messages automatically
  • Phone numbers are only accessed from job contact information you view
  • No call logs or message content is stored by the app

3.5 Notification Permissions

Permissions Requested:

  • POST_NOTIFICATIONS
  • RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED
  • SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM
  • USE_EXACT_ALARM

Why We Need This:

  • To send you important job notifications and reminders
  • To alert you about new job assignments
  • To notify about shift start/end times
  • To send reminders for scheduled tasks
  • To ensure notifications work after device restart

How We Use It:

  • Only sends job-related and work-related notifications
  • You can disable notifications in device settings
  • No promotional or marketing notifications are sent

3.6 Background Service Permissions

Permissions Requested:

  • WAKE_LOCK
  • FOREGROUND_SERVICE

Why We Need This:

  • To keep location tracking active in the background during work shifts
  • To ensure location updates continue even when app is minimized
  • To maintain service continuity for job tracking
  • To prevent service interruption during phone calls or other activities

How We Use It:

  • Only active during your work shifts
  • Automatically stops when shift ends
  • Uses minimal battery and resources
  • You can stop the service by ending your shift

4. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

4.1 Service Provision

  • Authenticate your login and maintain your session
  • Provide job assignments and route information
  • Track your work progress and location
  • Enable communication with property contacts
  • Store job data for offline access

4.2 Data Synchronization

  • Sync job data between your device and our servers
  • Update job status and completion information
  • Upload photos, videos, and job documentation
  • Download assignments and route information

4.3 Safety and Security

  • Track your location for safety during field work
  • Monitor shift activities for accountability
  • Ensure job completion at correct locations
  • Maintain audit trails for work records

5. DATA STORAGE AND SECURITY

5.1 Local Storage

  • Your login credentials (email, password) are stored securely on your device using encrypted storage
  • Job data, routes, and location information are stored locally for offline access
  • All local data is encrypted and protected by device security

5.2 Server Storage

  • Your data is stored on secure servers with industry-standard encryption
  • Location data is retained only during active shifts
  • Job data is retained as per business requirements
  • All data transmission uses HTTPS encryption

5.3 Data Retention

  • Location data: Retained during active shifts and for a limited period after shift completion
  • Job data: Retained as per business and legal requirements
  • Login credentials: Stored locally on your device only
  • You can request data deletion by contacting us

6. DATA SHARING

We do NOT sell your personal information to third parties. We may share data only in the following circumstances:

  • With Your Employer: Job data, location, and work progress are shared with your employer/supervisor for work management
  • Service Providers: We may use third-party services (like Google Maps) for app functionality, but they do not receive your personal data
  • Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights

7. YOUR RIGHTS AND CHOICES

7.1 Access and Control

  • You can view your stored data within the app
  • You can delete locally stored data by uninstalling the app
  • You can request access to your data by contacting us

7.2 Permissions

  • You can revoke permissions anytime through device settings
  • Note: Revoking certain permissions may limit app functionality
  • Location permission is required for core app features

7.3 Data Deletion

  • You can clear app data from device settings
  • You can request server data deletion by contacting support
  • Some data may be retained for legal/business requirements

8. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

8.1 Google Maps

  • We use Google Maps API for map display and navigation
  • Google Maps may collect location data as per their privacy policy
  • We do not share your personal information with Google beyond what's necessary for map functionality

8.2 Other Services

  • We use secure cloud services for data storage and synchronization
  • All third-party services are vetted for security and privacy compliance

9. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

This app is intended for use by field inspectors and is not designed for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect information from children.

10. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any significant changes through the app or via email. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Note: This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with applicable privacy laws and regulations. We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about our data practices.